France: security beefed up as Olympics approach
With the Olympic Games due to begin in Paris in just over a hundred days, France faces the challenge of balancing security preparations with public reassurance. While concerns about potential threats from groups like IS persist, some argue against giving too much attention to them, as it plays into the terrorists' hands. Interior minister Gérald Darmanin said his forces had foiled two attacks since the start of the year and arrested five individuals in three different cases in the past fortnight. France, which has experienced several Islamist attacks in recent years, has deployed Operation Sentinelle, involving 20,000 soldiers and 40,000 police, to ensure security. One army commander had this message for visitors: ‘We are well prepared for this mission, and ready to protect the population during the Olympics.’
Gaza: no exit strategy in sight
The ongoing war in Gaza has now lasted six months, with escalating violence and a rising death toll. Israel's allies are growing impatient with the lack of a viable plan to end the conflict. International organisations have warned of possible genocide, and even Israel's closest allies are criticising Benjamin Netanyahu, who is steadfastly refusing calls for a humanitarian ceasefire. The goal of eliminating Hamas seems unattainable, leaving Israel in a difficult situation. The numbers of those killed in Gaza are huge - over 33,000 killed and 75,000 injured, with far more facing starvation. One commentator has said, ‘17,000 orphans … what is their view of Israel and the United States going to be when they grow up?’ Although Israel's political divisions persist, most Israelis still support the war. There are fears of further escalation, if Iran or Hezbollah take action: see
South Korea: crushing electoral defeat for ruling party
The liberal opposition, led by the Democratic Party (DPK), has secured a significant election victory, winning 192 out of 300 seats in South Korea’s national assembly. The result is seen as a midterm assessment of President Yoon Suk Yeol's leadership, as his People Power Party (PPP) suffered a crushing defeat. His party leader has resigned, and the prime minister has offered to do so. The DPK will now be able to fast-track and push legislation through parliament. Its leader Lee Jae-myung may now be emboldened to consider another presidential run. Mr Yoon is under pressure to address a number of issues including rising food prices, a rapidly ageing population and an ongoing doctor's strike. His wife's involvement in a gift controversy and corruption allegations against senior PPP members add to his challenges. The DPK, while celebrating its victory, also faces its own controversies and internal struggles, including corruption allegations.
Colombia: millions of displaced people long for peace
Consuelo Manyoma, a resident of San Isidro, waits anxiously for the time when her family can safely return home. Located along a strategic corridor for the cocaine trade, the village frequently experiences gunfire and threats. Two years ago, Manyoma's family and others fled, seeking refuge in Buenaventura. They are now in makeshift accommodation in a huge basketball stadium, enduring uncertainty and longing for peace. The country’s conflict, a bloody war between paramilitary groups, rebel militias, drug traffickers, and the army, has displaced 6.8 million people - one of the world's largest internally displaced populations. In another development, former president Alvaro Uribe is to face criminal charges for alleged links to some of the paramilitary groups: see
