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Ebrahim Raisi, San Marino & more!

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Global Insights

Ebrahim Raisi

Iran experienced a somber morning on Monday as President Ebrahim Raisi tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash in East Azerbaijan province, accompanied by other senior officials. At 63 years old, Raisi held a significant presence in Iran's political and religious spheres, often viewed as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The report of the crash states that the helicopter was on its planned flight path when it crashed into a mountainous area and caught fire. Initial investigations have ruled out external factors like bullet damage or foul play to the wreckage. An investigation team quickly arrived at the crash site to gather important information. They have found no evidence of the helicopter deviating from its route or any suspicious communications before the crash.

The Iranian Armed Forces have promised to keep the public informed as new details come to light during the ongoing investigation.Raisi's journey to the presidency was marked by his early immersion in religious studies at Qom seminary, followed by a series of judicial roles that ultimately led to his election in 2021. Despite initial setbacks in earlier presidential bids, his conservative platform and extensive network within Iran's political establishment were instrumental in his eventual victory.

Raisi's tenure as president saw a mix of achievements and controversies. His involvement in the execution of political prisoners in 1988 sparked international condemnation and resulted in sanctions from the United States. Nevertheless, he bolstered his position through strategic appointments and alliances.

During his presidency, Raisi confronted various challenges domestically and internationally. Domestically, protests erupted over issues such as mandatory hijab laws, prompting a significant government crackdown. Internationally, tensions escalated with the United States over the nuclear deal and with Israel during conflicts like the Gaza conflict.

Despite facing criticism for his governance, Raisi maintained support from diverse factions within Iran's political landscape. His untimely passing leaves a notable void in Iranian politics, sparking discussions about succession and the nation's future trajectory.

The legacy of Ebrahim Raisi, with its complexities and nuances, will undoubtedly continue to influence Iran's political dynamics for years to come.

At last year's BRICS summit in South Africa, President Ebrahim Raisi praised the alliance's expansion. He emphasized, "The world needs convergence to establish a just system grounded in collective interests, and BRICS epitomizes such transformation and progress in global relations," Raisi highlighted Iran's eagerness to support the bloc's move away from using the U.S. dollar for trade. Mohammad Jamshidi, Raisi's deputy chief of staff for political affairs, hailed Iran's membership as a "strategic success" and a "historic development."

Since assuming office in 2021, Ebrahim Raisi has placed a strong emphasis on improving relations with Iran's neighboring countries and key Asian powers. Membership in BRICS has been seen as a significant achievement for the Raisi administration. The administration has argued for Iran's ability to prosper without solely focusing on nuclear diplomacy, by expanding connections with Asia and the broader region. This membership offer came at a time when the U.S. and Europe were actively working to isolate Tehran until it resumed negotiations on its advancing nuclear program. Rome observes, "The membership invitation highlights the diminishing effectiveness of Western efforts to isolate Iran, which could potentially complicate future nuclear diplomacy."

Under Raisi's leadership, Tehran has actively sought out new economic partners, ranging from Venezuela to Indonesia, in order to mitigate the impact of U.S. economic sanctions reimposed following President Donald Trump's withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018.

In 2015, Iran, alongside several world powers including the United States, signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which imposed significant restrictions on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for billions of dollars in sanctions relief.

However, in 2018, President Trump withdrew the United States from the agreement, citing concerns that it did not adequately address Iran's missile program and regional influence. Consequently, Iran began to disregard the limitations placed on its nuclear program about a year later.

President Joe Biden expressed the United States' willingness to rejoin the JCPOA if Iran returned to compliance. However, despite over two years of intermittent negotiations, the countries have yet to reach a compromise. As of late 2023, parts of the agreement have started to expire.

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Ukraine-Russia War

Russian officials disclosed that Putin is prepared to halt the war in Ukraine through a negotiated ceasefire, acknowledging the current battlefield boundaries.

"Putin is willing to continue fighting as long as necessary, but he is also open to a ceasefire – to cease the conflict."

Putin's spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, emphasized that Putin has consistently advocated for dialogue to resolve the conflict and that Russia does not desire a perpetual state of war. "Let them resume, he said, noting that negotiations should reflect "the realities on the ground" and adhere to a framework agreed upon during an earlier attempt to reach a deal in the war's initial weeks in 2022. "Not on the basis of what one side wants” he emphasized.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stated that the Russian leader was trying to disrupt an upcoming Ukrainian-led peace summit in Switzerland by sending out false signals through his close company about his supposed readiness to end the conflict.

Abortion in England

New data has recently been released in England and Whales regarding abortion.

In 2022, England and Wales saw a record-breaking 252,122 abortions.

This marks a 17% increase from the previous year, which also set a record since the 1960s when abortion was legalized.

This means roughly one in every 50 women aged 15 to 44 in England and Wales had an abortion.

Most women cited financial pressures as their reason.

China-Tawain

China's military has announced ongoing drills around Taiwan to test its ability to "seize power" over the island, aiming to evaluate joint power seizure, attacks, and occupation of key areas.

These drills, which began after the inauguration of Taiwan’s new president, Lai Ching-te, are viewed by Beijing as a response to what it sees as "separatist acts" by Taiwan’s "independence forces." Various branches of the Chinese military, including the army, navy, air force, and rocket force, are participating in strategic locations around Taiwan, with China’s Coast Guard involved for the first time near outlying islands like Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin.

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry has criticized the exercises as "irrational provocations" and has mobilized its own military forces, while President Lai condemned them, accusing China of attempting to intimidate the Taiwanese people.

History & Culture - San Marino

San Marino, a tiny republic nestled on Mount Titano's slopes between Italy's Emilia-Romagna and Marche regions, stands as Europe's second smallest independent state after Vatican City and Monaco. With an irregular shape stretching about 8 miles (13 km) from northeast to southwest, it's completely surrounded by Italy. Mount Titano, rising 2,424 feet (739 meters), dominates its landscape, crowned with ancient fortifications and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The climate is mild, supporting Mediterranean vegetation and diverse wildlife. Most of its population are Sammarinesi citizens, predominantly Roman Catholic, with Italian as the official language.

San Marino's economy relies on industries like electronics, tourism, and crafts. Agriculture, tourism, and banking are significant contributors to its economy. Its capital, San Marino city, sits atop Mount Titano, encircled by triple walls. The government, based on the Great and General Council, follows a parliamentary form, electing two captains regent every six months. San Marino has extensive social programs, including free healthcare and education for its small population of 33,000 people. Well-connected to Italy via roads and motorcoach services, it maintains its independence despite challenges, tracing its origins to the 4th century CE. Its coat of arms bears the motto "Libertas" ("Liberty"), symbolizing its tradition of refuge and independence.

The Republic of San Marino traces its roots to the early 4th century, when legend has it that St. Marinus and a group of Christians settled there to escape persecution. Historical records mention the Castellum Sancta Marini in 755, while the earliest document in the republic's archives dates back to 885, mentioning the abbot of San Marino. By the 12th century, San Marino had become a self-governing commune, ruled by its own laws and consuls. Despite pressures from neighboring bishops and lords, its mountainous terrain and isolation helped it maintain independence.

The protection of the Montefeltro family shielded San Marino from attacks by the ruling Malatesta family of Rimini. By the mid-15th century, it had evolved into a republic governed by a Grand Council.

Throughout history, San Marino endured various threats, including occupation attempts by Cesare Borgia in 1503, emerging as a symbol of self-governing Italian city-states. Despite challenges, its independence persisted, with Napoleon respecting it during his invasion of Italy in 1797. Recognition of its sovereignty was reaffirmed at the Congress of Vienna in 1815. Amidst the 19th-century Italian unification movement, San Marino provided asylum to revolutionaries like Giuseppe Garibaldi. Following Italy's unification, successive treaties affirmed San Marino's independent status, starting from 1862. Despite enduring a British bombing raid in 1944 and brief occupations during World War II, San Marino remained neutral, maintaining its long-standing tradition of independence.

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If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it.-

Marcus Aurelius