Turkey-US economic war: from mutual sanctions to Erdogan’s new political course
The conflict between US and Turkey continues to escalate. After sanctions were imposed against two Turkish ministers and tariffs on steel and aluminum were introduced, the Turkish economy ,shaken by the economic attacks, is seeking the path to stabilization and moderating its relationship with the US.
This week Turkey withdrew from the list of the largest holders of US treasury securities. According to the US Treasury, in June Turkey cut its investments in the national debt of the Americans to 28.8 billion dollars (compared to May figures of 32.6 billion dollars). Today Turkey has initiated a dispute complaint with the World Trade Organisation against additional tariffs imposed by the United States on Turkish steel and aluminum imports.
Turkey faces the necessity of changing its geopolitical vector in response to its new political struggle: either the NATO-block and globalism, or a reorientation toward multipolarity and entrance into the BRICS block.
Kofi Annan, former UN chief, dies at 80
Annan served 2 terms as the UN chief (1997-2006) and was awarded the Noble Peace Prize in 2001 for his humanitarian efforts. After working as UN chief he served as the head of the UN special envoy in Syria.
I have directed that, in his honour, Ghana’s national flag will fly at half-mast across the country and in all of Ghana’s diplomatic missions across the world, from Monday, 20th August, 2018, for one week.
Rest in perfect peace, Kofi. You have earned it. God bless. 7/7
— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) August 18, 2018
Saddened to hear that Kofi Annan has passed away. His warmth should never be mistaken for weakness. Annan showed that one can be a great humanitarian and a strong leader at the same time. The UN and the world have lost one of their giants.
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) August 18, 2018
Sad to hear of the death of Kofi Annan. A great leader and reformer of the UN, he made a huge contribution to making the world he has left a better place than the one he was born into. My thoughts and condolences are with his family. pic.twitter.com/P0SWagShJM
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) August 18, 2018
Escalation in Afghanistan
Afghanistan has again become a hotbed of political instability and violence, and in recent days there have been numerous tragic events. Today, a suicide bomber blew up the Mawood private academy with at least 100 students present. According to media figures, at least 48 are confirmed dead and 67 were injured. The president of Afghanistan, Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, sharply condemned the terrorist act.
Afghanistan is currently experiencing a general escalation of terrorist attacks by militant organizations. Yesterday, the Taliban led an attack against the Afghan military and dozens were killed.
Since last week, fighting in the Ghazni province has been continuous; the victims of this conflict are in the hundreds (including both soldiers and militants). The United States is interfering in the conflict, as per tradition.