North Korea Foreign Minister Heads to Russia Amid U.S. Warnings
abc news,

North Korea’s Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui has embarked on an official visit to Russia, reported by state-controlled media. This visit follows an agreement to enhance ties reached during the June 2024 summit between the two nations. Choe’s arrival in Vladivostok comes as U.S. concerns mount regarding North Korean troops potentially aiding Russian forces in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. President Biden described the situation as “very dangerous,” indicating the increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.

China’s Response to Russia-North Korea Alliance Raises Concerns
businessinsider,

China has stated it is “not aware” of North Korean troops being deployed to Russia, amid fears of escalating military collaboration between the two nations. Analysts warn that China’s muted reaction may jeopardize its trade relations with the EU, especially as tensions grow over the Ukraine war. The Council on Foreign Relations suggests that China’s failure to distance itself from the alliance could solidify the West’s perception of China as a geopolitical threat, potentially impacting its efforts to strengthen trade ties with Europe.

Bitcoin Surges Above $70,000 as Investors Await Earnings and Elections
cnbc,

Bitcoin has briefly surpassed $70,000, buoyed by investor anticipation of MicroStrategy’s earnings and the upcoming U.S. presidential election. As of late Monday, Bitcoin was trading at approximately $69,925, with optimism rising ahead of significant financial events. This price surge, however, follows a year of fluctuations as Bitcoin has struggled to maintain its value above the $70,000 mark. Investors remain cautious, eyeing potential implications of the election results on the cryptocurrency market.

BRICS Summit Discusses De-Dollarization and New Financial Systems
kitco,

At the recent BRICS summit, leaders addressed the theme of de-dollarization, proposing the creation of a new multi-currency system that could include gold and cryptocurrencies. Russian President Putin presented a mock-up of a “BRICS bill,” signaling intentions to establish alternative financial mechanisms to counter the U.S. dollar’s dominance. The summit focused on developing a payment system independent of SWIFT and enhancing cooperation among member nations, with discussions on a gold-backed digital currency gaining traction.

Mass Protests Erupt in Georgia Over Alleged Rigged Elections
ap news,

Tens of thousands of Georgians rallied outside parliament demanding the annulment of the recent parliamentary election, which they claim was rigged with Russian assistance. President Salome Zourabichvili declared that the votes were stolen and pledged to support the nation’s European aspirations against the ruling party’s increasing authoritarianism. Opposition leaders rejected any negotiations with the government and called for new elections under international supervision, while the U.S. and EU called for thorough investigations into the election irregularities.

Israel’s Historical Narrative in Gaza Raises Concerns
aljazeera,

The historical significance of Gaza is highlighted in light of recent events, as Israel appears to pursue a controversial agenda of demographic change. Gaza, once a prosperous region, has transformed into a focal point of conflict and suffering. Analysts draw parallels between historical attempts to relocate Palestinians and current Israeli strategies aimed at “thinning” the population. The narrative surrounding Gaza reflects a broader struggle for Palestinian rights and sovereignty, as resistance to displacement intensifies amidst ongoing hostilities.