Afghanistan Attends U.N. Climate Talks for the First Time Since Taliban Return to Power

AP,

Afghanistan attended the U.N. climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the first time since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. The country’s environment protection head, Matuil Haq Khalis, emphasized Afghanistan’s need for international support to address climate change, particularly its vulnerability to erratic weather patterns, droughts, and flash floods. Khalis noted that Afghanistan’s climate vulnerability ranks it among the top six nations globally. The Taliban-controlled government, though not officially recognized, has participated as an observer, and Khalis expressed hopes for bilateral talks with nations such as the U.S. to discuss climate solutions and Afghanistan’s potential in renewable energy development.

Butter Thefts Highlight Cost of Russia’s War Economy

 Financial Times,

The economic toll of Russia’s war in Ukraine is evident as inflation skyrockets, and everyday items, like butter, become increasingly unaffordable. A recent butter theft in Ekaterinburg, Russia, captured by security footage, exemplifies the mounting pressure on ordinary citizens. Inflation in Russia has surged, with consumer goods, especially food, seeing significant price hikes. In response, President Vladimir Putin has called for economic stabilization, but high defense spending continues to dominate the national budget, pushing inflation further. Experts warn that the government’s military focus, coupled with a labor shortage, has crippled domestic production, leaving citizens to bear the brunt of the rising cost of living.

Trump Expected to Tap U.S. Senator Marco Rubio for Secretary of State

 Reuters,

Donald Trump is set to nominate U.S. Senator Marco Rubio as his secretary of state, sources have confirmed. Rubio, a hawkish politician with a strong stance on foreign policy issues such as China and Cuba, is expected to bring a strategic approach to U.S. diplomacy. His selection aligns with Trump’s preference for a more restrained foreign policy compared to previous administrations. Rubio’s likely appointment marks a historic moment, as he would be the first Latino to serve in this role. The move could also solidify Trump’s support among Latino voters, a demographic that played a crucial role in his recent victory.

Haiti’s Main Airport Shuts Down Amid Rising Gang Violence

 AP,

Haiti’s international airport was forced to shut down after gang violence escalated in Port-au-Prince. The shooting at a commercial flight landing in the capital resulted in a flight attendant’s injury and prompted airlines to suspend operations. This surge in violence coincided with the swearing-in of Haiti’s new interim prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, who promised to restore order and bring peace to the nation. Gangs, which control large parts of Port-au-Prince, have capitalized on Haiti’s political instability, creating chaos and displacing thousands. The situation remains dire, with the U.N. estimating that gangs control 85% of the capital, while international efforts to address the violence face significant challenges.

Bitcoin Tops $88K, Catapulting MicroStrategy to 24-Year Record Amid Crypto Rally

 CoinDesk,

Bitcoin hit a new all-time high of $88,448, fueling a broad market rally that lifted crypto-related equities such as Coinbase and MicroStrategy. The recent surge is linked to positive sentiment regarding U.S. regulatory changes and increased liquidity in the crypto market. MicroStrategy, a major corporate holder of Bitcoin, saw its stock soar 25%, setting a 24-year record. The company’s Bitcoin holdings now exceed 279,000 BTC, valued at around $24.5 billion. As the market continues to experience a “supercharged” rally, experts note that the shift from an “oppressive” regulatory regime to a more crypto-friendly environment has played a significant role in this surge.

Moldova Cleans Up Its Act to Attract Foreign Businesses

 BBC,

Moldova is increasingly positioning itself as an attractive destination for foreign businesses, particularly in the tech sector. With a low corporate tax rate and the introduction of the Moldova IT Park (MITP), which offers a reduced tax rate of just 7% for tech firms, the country has been successful in drawing international entrepreneurs like Dutch businessman Luc Vocks. Moldova’s efforts to reform its economy are evident, with the country’s corruption ranking improving significantly. However, challenges remain, including the ongoing conflict in neighboring Ukraine and high emigration rates among skilled workers. Despite these hurdles, Moldova’s pro-EU leadership is optimistic about its future prospects as it pushes for integration into the European Union.