Sweden joins NATO - breaking nearly 200 years of neutrality, and the US, UK and France shoot down incoming Houthi drones. 2024 continues the crazy streak 😬

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1️⃣🇵🇱 Poland: Polish FM Radoslaw Sikorski has aligned with French President Macron's openness to NATO forces in Ukraine, amidst divergent views from the US and Europe. Stressing the need to intimidate Putin rather than fearing him, Sikorski advocates for NATO's original purpose against a Russia described as non-peaceful and value-incompatible with its neighbors. While direct combat deployment remains off the table, discussions include French and Canadian support in training and mine-clearing roles, amidst Putin's stark nuclear conflict warning.

2️⃣🇬🇧 Red Sea: The Royal Navy's HMS Richmond successfully neutralized two Houthi attack drones in the Red Sea, defending US and allied forces with Sea Ceptor missiles, as announced by UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps. The UK and its allies vow to protect freedom of navigation and innocent lives against the Iranian-backed Houthis' illegal aggressions. Meanwhile, the US Central Command reported a total of 28 downed Houthi drones, thwarting a large-scale threat to naval and merchant vessels in the region, amid one of the Houthis' most ambitious attacks on international shipping.

3️⃣🇪🇹 Ethiopia: Ethiopia contemplates retracting its recognition of Somaliland, sparked by a deal granting sea access that incited regional discord and international calls for calm. PM Abiy Ahmed, after talks with Kenya's William Ruto, hints at reconsidering the deal to mend ties with Somalia, amidst warnings from the US and UN against exacerbating tensions. Despite not officially withdrawing, Ethiopia faces pressure as it seeks coastal access, while Somaliland eyes this partnership to edge closer to international acknowledgment.

4️⃣🇹🇷 Turkey: President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced the upcoming local elections on March 31 as his final involvement in electoral politics, emphasizing the vote's significance for his political legacy. Having led Turkey since 2014, Erdoğan eyes this as a pivotal moment for succession planning within the Justice and Development Party (AKP). Additionally, he offered to mediate a peace summit between Ukraine and Russia, showcasing Turkey's diplomatic efforts amid ongoing conflicts.

5️⃣🇨🇦 Canada: After weeks of protests and criticism, Canada is resuming funding to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), acknowledging its pivotal role amid Gaza's humanitarian crisis. Criticized for suspending aid during the conflict, Canada's reversal follows public pressure and advocacy, aiming to address the urgent needs of Palestinians in Gaza. The decision highlights Canada's response to humanitarian advocacy and the essential services UNRWA provides in education, healthcare, and more in the region.

Major Story

In an epoch-defining pivot, Sweden has ceremoniously crossed the threshold into the NATO alliance, marking a monumental departure from centuries of cherished neutrality. This strategic realignment, catalyzed by the seismic ripples of Russia's aggressive stance in Ukraine, underscores a dramatic shift in the security landscape of Europe. On Thursday, under the watchful eyes of global onlookers, Sweden formalized its accession as the 32nd member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, culminating a nearly two-year journey of diplomatic endeavors and geopolitical recalibrations.

The journey to this historic juncture was not without its hurdles. The accession process, initiated in May 2022 amidst the shadows of conflict cast by Russia’s incursion into Ukraine, represented a stark transformation from Sweden's long-standing posture of military nonalignment—a doctrine that has been the bedrock of its foreign policy since the Napoleonic wars. This bold stride towards collective security was mirrored by its neighbor, Finland, who also sought the protective umbrella of NATO in response to the unfolding crisis in Ukraine.

However, the path was fraught with delays, notably due to reservations from NATO members Hungary and Turkey. Hungary, under Prime Minister Viktor Orban, initially balked at Sweden's entry, entangling the process in the broader discourse on democratic norms and values. Meanwhile, Turkey's approval was suspended in the balance, with Ankara voicing concerns over Sweden's perceived leniency towards groups deemed as security threats by the Turkish government. These diplomatic tugs-of-war were emblematic of the intricate web of interests and principles that define the NATO alliance.

The resolution of these impasses and Sweden's eventual membership signals a profound transformation not only for Sweden but for the strategic contours of Europe. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, marking this historic milestone, journeyed to Washington, D.C., to deliver the final accession documents—a ceremonial act that symbolizes a new chapter in transatlantic security cooperation. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg heralded Sweden's entry as a bolster to the alliance's strength and a testament to Sweden's commitment to collective security.

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Other News

1️⃣🇺🇸🇵🇸 The US has dispatched a military ship carrying equipment to build a temporary pier off Gaza's coast for humanitarian aid delivery, amid criticism for continuing arms sales to Israel. Critics argue for opening land crossings for aid, noting that sea delivery is a workaround to Israeli obstructions. The effort, which aims to alleviate Gaza's humanitarian crisis, raises questions about its effectiveness compared to more direct land routes for aid delivery.

2️⃣🇵🇹 Portugal: As voters faced a pivotal general election, the choice was between a centre-right shift or maintaining the centre-left's rule, with no clear majority in sight. The far-right Chega party's rising influence could impact post-election discussions amid concerns over housing, wages, healthcare, and perceived widespread corruption. This election, spurred by the Socialist Prime Minister's resignation due to a graft probe, sees traditional parties vying for control, with potentially complex coalitions on both sides.

Next Week’s Geopolitical Milestones

1️⃣🇷🇺 In the upcoming Russian presidential election set for 15-17 March 2024, incumbent President Vladimir Putin is anticipated to secure re-election. Observers expect the electoral process to be compromised, lacking in transparency and fairness, effectively sidelining genuine opposition.

Quote of the Week:

🗣️ "One day the great European War will come out of some damned foolish thing in the Balkans." - Otto von Bismark

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