You are invited to join us for Global Crisis Watch 294, on Friday, September 27th at 10:00 BST.
The highlighted topics will include:
China’s ICBM Test Escalates Regional Tensions with U.S. and Allies
China has conducted its first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test over the Pacific Ocean in over 40 years, raising regional concerns and sending a strategic message to the U.S. and its allies. The missile, launched by the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force, carried a dummy warhead and landed in a designated area of the Pacific. While China described the test as routine and part of its annual military exercises, analysts suggest it demonstrates China’s growing nuclear capabilities and serves as a warning amid heightened tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
The launch coincides with ongoing maritime and territorial disputes between China and several neighboring nations, including Japan, the Philippines and Taiwan. These conflicts have escalated in recent months, with frequent air and sea confrontations in disputed waters. The U.S. Pentagon had been informed in advance of the test, but Japan, Australia and New Zealand expressed concerns over the lack of notification and rising instability in the region.
China’s expanding nuclear arsenal and military modernization have prompted warnings from the U.S. and its allies. Experts view the ICBM test as a clear signal that China is prepared to defend its interests and challenge U.S. dominance, particularly concerning Taiwan. The test highlights the shifting power dynamics in Asia and reinforces China’s readiness to act on multiple fronts, raising the risk of potential miscalculations.
Lebanon Suffers Deadliest Day Since 2006 as Israeli Strikes Kill Hundreds
The recent Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have led to the deadliest day for the country since 2006, killing over 500 people, including women and children, and wounding more than 1,800. Israel targeted 1,600 Hezbollah assets in a series of extensive strikes, with claims that the group stored weapons in civilian areas, such as homes. The intense barrage followed Hezbollah’s increased rocket attacks on northern Israel, with the group responding to the strikes by launching over 200 projectiles toward Israel, targeting military bases and cities like Kiryat Shmona.
Hezbollah confirmed the death of a senior commander, Ibrahim Qubaisi, in one of the strikes. Thousands of civilians fled their homes, with more than 100,000 displaced as buildings were destroyed and roads became congested with traffic. Lebanon’s health ministry confirmed that 35 children and 58 women were among the dead, as the strikes devastated residential areas.
International calls for de-escalation are growing, with concerns that the conflict could spiral into a wider regional war. While both sides have ramped up cross-border attacks, neither Israel nor Hezbollah is officially calling the conflict a war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is shifting the “balance of power” on its northern front, with possible ground invasions being considered.
Despite the violence, efforts from world powers like the U.S. and France seek to prevent further escalation and bring both parties to the negotiation table.
Taliban Restrictions on Women Halt Polio Vaccination, Sparking Outbreak Fears
Afghanistan is at high risk of a polio outbreak after the Taliban suspended the door-to- door vaccination campaign due to security concerns and restrictions on women’s involvement. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported 18 cases of polio in 2024, a sharp rise from six cases in 2023, with health workers fearing the real numbers could be higher. The Taliban halted the campaign, citing security threats and the use of female vaccinators, especially in conservative areas like Kandahar. Door-to- door vaccination is critical to achieving over 95% immunization coverage necessary for eradication, but without it, health officials warn the entire country is at risk.
The Taliban has proposed shifting vaccination efforts to mosques, expecting families to bring their children for immunization. However, health experts believe this approach will significantly reduce vaccine reach, particularly in remote and rural areas. Southern Afghanistan, especially Kandahar, where most cases are concentrated, has long been resistant to vaccination due to historical mistrust, partly fueled by past fake vaccination campaigns used for intelligence purposes.
Women have played a crucial role in administering vaccines, as they can access spaces where male workers are not permitted. Female polio workers were forced to resign after the Taliban's takeover in 2021, leading to warnings that restricting women’s participation will hinder polio eradication efforts and endanger the health of Afghan children.
Congress Approves Temporary Spending Bill, Averts Government Shutdown
The U.S. Congress has passed a temporary funding bill to avoid a government shutdown, keeping federal agencies funded until December 20. The Senate approved the measure with a 78-18 vote following a House vote of 341-82. This bill maintains funding at current levels but includes an additional $231 million for the Secret Service following two assassination attempts against Donald Trump. The bill now awaits President Biden's signature.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised the bipartisanship of the decision, hoping it would continue in future negotiations. House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the necessity of the temporary measure to prevent a shutdown but warned that deeper negotiations would be needed to finalize spending by the end of the year.
The extension avoids immediate shutdown but pushes the deadline for a more permanent solution to after the November 5 elections. Lawmakers are expected to face tough negotiations, particularly concerning defines and non-defines spending, which have been a point of contention. While House Republicans have favored significant cuts, Senate Democrats want to raise spending by 1%.
The bill highlights ongoing debates within Congress over broader fiscal issues, such as funding for natural disaster recovery and veterans' healthcare. A longer-term resolution may be difficult, and another temporary measure may be required.
Plus, all the stories that are catching our attention wherever we live in the world. Feel free to join us and add your voice to the conversation.
