The 2026 Iran Protests

 

Discord has grown in Iran. The demonstrations are a reaction to economic struggle. The Iranian rial the currency of the country has dropped in value. Sanctions are making it difficult for Iran to engage with the world economy. The protests are not unified. A faction is frustrated about the cost of living and economic challenges. Other groups want to see a change in regime and have connections to the former monarchy. Reza Pahlavi the son of the Shah is a prominent opposition figure. His intent is not to establish a democratic government, rather a restoration of the Pahlavi rule. The third section wants some modest reform to the theocratic government. Reports of murders and injuries to the public by law enforcement reached the international press. The UK responded with trying to get new sanctions imposed. France and the US are exploring punitive measures. These actions are not for the sake of human rights. The goal is to remove Iran as a regional force and secure its oil resources. The fear remains of a large scale regional war and the destabilization following the conflict. The 2026 Iran protests is not the first massive demonstration in the Islamic republic. The 2009 Green Movement saw citizens demonstrate over the electoral process. Dissatisfaction with the government and aggression by foreign powers adds to the public's anger. The demonstrations may to result in the end of the theocracy, but will encourage Iranians to be more active.  

Colombia Has Prohibited Child Marriage

 

Child marriage has been outlawed in Colombia. After 17 years of advocacy groups working to make this possible, the bill was passed. Marriage is now prohibited for anyone under the age of 18. Certain countries still allow child marriage. This puts girls at risk for violence and sexual exploitation. The practice harms girls advancement in education and prevents economic opportunities in adulthood. Colombia is estimated to have about 4.5 million girls married before the age of 18 according to Unicef data. Child marriage remained more prevalent in rural communities. The economic strain that certain families face make then marry off their daughters to someone more wealthy. The reason child marriage effects girls more than boys is due to a culture of machista. The culture of male dominance does not allow girls and women much personal freedom. The challenge now is chaining attitudes about women and girls roles in society. Ensuring the law will be recognized will be difficult for law enforcement. The connection between poverty and child marriage has been noted. Social welfare programs, expansion of employment, and more public education can contribute to the fight against child marriage. Colombia had to act seeing as child marriage was becoming a public health concern. Child brides, just like adults can be subject to domestic violence. Getting pregnant too young can increase risk of death during childbirth. Colombia is the latest South American country to ban child marriage. Only 12 countries have a ban on child marriage in Latin America. Colombia could inspire activists in other countries to get legislation passed to protect girls from  child marriage. 

Remembering John Pilger

 

John Pilger ( 1939-2023)  was a journalist, reporter, and documentary filmmaker who challenged the establishment narratives. Pilger came to prominence covering the Vietnam War and the  Cambodian genocide. The Australian journalist came into reporting when media giants did not have such dominance. Based in the UK, John Pilger's career began before NewsCorp had become a monopolizing force in news. John Pilger through his reporting exposed human rights abuses in Bangladesh and Biafran War. He was an advocate for Aboriginal rights . His criticism of the US, UK, and Australia for military intervention was bold considering current sentiments. The War on Terror resulted in civilian deaths, but reporters questioning the wars were condemned. Pilger was not afraid to call the Iraq War and the invasion of Afghanistan as imperial projects. During his final years Pilger was a critic of the West's shift to an anti-Russian and anti-Chinese foreign policy. The mainstream media acts as a public relations firm to the government. John Pilger's frustration with the mainstream media was that it did not confront or challenge official foreign policy positions. The BBC has been accused of bias, but claims to be impartial. John Pilger was based in the UK for most of his life and discovered during his long decades career that one narrative is promoted. The notion that the US, UK, and Australia are promoting freedom and human rights is presented in news. Although it is fiction the message is prevalent in both liberal and conservative media outlets. John Pilger spent his life debunking this false narrative. What he leaves behind is a large body of work and a blueprint for the alternative media. John Pilger's use of documentary filmmaking was effective in persuasive argument. Documentary films are a tool in which those who seek to challenge the establishment must utilize.        

The Struggle of Eritreans In Israel

 

Israeli Eritreans and Eritrean asylum seekers are facing violence and discrimination in the Zionist state. The dispute developed around a festival celebrating Eritrea at their Israeli embassy . The anger was around the idea that it was celebrating a government that Eritreans have fled from. The asylum seekers were protesting President Isasis Afwerki in Tel Aviv. Since 1993, Eritrea has only had one president. The celebrations and festivals were commemorating independence. Then counter demonstrations emerged by supporters of President Isaisis Afwerki. Then the police began attacking the protesters and showing Israel's longtime anti-black racism. Discrimination and police brutality are common experiences of people of African descent in Israel. The government is now seeking to deport Eritreans in the country. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has used xenophobia and fear to push for more strict border controls. Then referred to Eritreans as a problem. The tactic of scapegoating is used by the right-wing elements to defelct attention away from more serious concerns. The judicial reform is seeking to give the government authoritarian levels of power. The Likud Party seeks to expand into the West Bank ignoring the political consequences of this policy. The harsh treatment indicates that Israel is not adhering to the UN Refugee Convention. When Prime Minister Netanyahu  refers to Eritreans as "illegal infiltrators"  it  implies espionage. References to invasion were used. Eritreans are not going to Israel to conquer  or spy. They are trying to escape a government they dislike. Israel is not welcoming  to those of different skin color. They do not value religious freedom. Non-Jews do not get a preference. Zionism has enabled the creation of an ethno-state. Sudanese and Ethiopians living in Israel have similar experiences in Israel. If the judicial reform is successful, it will make it easier for the government to do deportations. Eritreans seeking to go to Israel should opt for Europe. Eritreans are facing discrimination, racism, and police brutality.  

The Taliban Increases Restrictions On Women

 

Ever since the Taliban returned to power women have seen a dramatic decrease in basic rights. More discrimination is being seen related to education and employment. The regime has issued a prohibition on women attending universities. The action has devasting effects Afghanistan. Without educating the entire population the country will never reach higher development. Stopping women from graduating from medical school has dire consequences on public health. Afghanistan already has a low life expectancy and fewer medical professionals will make it worse. Discrimination as government policy will eventually backfire. Women are now forced to travel with a male companion when in public. The new Taliban regime is the worst mix of religious fundamentalism and misogyny than its previous rule from 1996 to 2001. Female employees of non-government organizations are not safe. Reports of Afghan women being flogged have surfaced causing international condemnation. The more restrictions the Taliban imposes on the citizens the more discontent shall grow. Afghanistan's economic condition worsens and the standard of living continues to decline. The Taliban lost power due to an invasion by the US and NATO. It is possible the armed groups still fighting could grow in number and remove them. As long as they do not improve the conditions of  the average Afghan, a mass uprising could happen in the future. Women have even lost the ability to enjoy public accommodations. The Taliban has ordered business owners to shutdown beauty salons. The reason these businesses were targeted is because it was women's only public space. Limiting women's education and employment makes them dependent on men. There has been resistance. The Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan has been known to operate secret schools inside the country for girls. Some women now are seeking to flee Afghanistan. A new element has to examined in the plight of refugees. While some flee due to war or persecution based on their race,  sex  can also be a reason.     

Sudanese Refugees Flee To Chad, Egypt, and Kenya

 

The conflict in Sudan has created refugees. Simultaneously, Darfur has seen an escalation resulting in large numbers of Sudanese escaping to Chad. Other destinations of refugees are Egypt and Kenya. The fight between the RSF and the Sudanese Military will spread across borders. The outbreaks of ethnic violence and war have been seen in Ethiopia. That came to a peaceful resolution without balkanization. Sudan appears to be tearing itself apart. Darfur has been a challenge since 2003. South Sudan gained independence in 2011, but had internal confrontation. The power void left by the Omar Al-Bashir regime was followed by a series of coups. The civilians are caught in the middle of warring armed factions. The United Nations has not made serious proposals for peace. Sudanese might face a more difficult time in Egypt. The border dispute between Egypt and Sudan could be exacerbated by the status of the conflict. Sudanese in Egypt could become scapegoats or subject to xenophobic sentiment. Egypt does not provide shelters or camps for refugees. Racial prejudice against the 4 million Sudanese migrants can no longer be hidden. The added incoming refugees will be used as a distraction from economic concerns of the nation. Kenya does have refugee camps, however conditions are poor. The camps in Kenya also have refugees from Somalia and South Sudan. Crowding and public health concerns make life difficult for refugees. Kenya could respond by either shutting its borders or getting involved in Sudan. The approach that Kenya took in Somalia should not be replicated in Sudan. The only solution would be an African Union effort to develop a peace settlement. If this does not happen refugees will continue to come to Kenya, Chad, and Egypt.  

President Samia Suluhu Hassan's Reforms

 

President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced this month that political assemblies will be allowed. Opposition parties have claimed they have been subject of harassment and false imprisonment in Tanzania.  The Political Parties Act is still in effect. The law is seen as a way of reducing the ability of opposition parties to function in the country. The reforms are a surprise considering the election will be held in 2025. President Hassan has stated that she intends to  seek reelection. Under the law political parties are to hold assemblies in their constituencies only. Holding rallies in other areas is restricted. The administration's approach to the Covid-19 pandemic differed from the previous presidency. President Hassan encouraged vaccination, rather than imposing strict lockdowns. One concern relates to economics. The emphasis on the private sector to attract foreign investment has not worked for other African nations. Public programs are normally cut, making the countries more vulnerable to external exploitation. President Hassan has been in office since 2021. It is too early to say what direction Tanzania will go. The first female president of Tanzania should at least enact policies that improve women's lives and well being. If the reforms benefit the majority of citizens, an electoral victory can be achieved.  

The 2022 Qatar World Cup Controversy

 

A growing controversy has emerged about Qatar hosting the FIFA World Cup. The country has been known to put restrictions on press freedom, women's rights, and discriminates against those of the LGBTQ community. Labor practices have been known to endanger workers and leave them with low pay. Migrant labor was used to construct the stadium required for the World Cup. Workers from South Asia and Africa were major contributors to making the event possible. Qatar did not have a large enough labor force to build a stadium with migrant worker help. Qatar is a monarchy ruled by King Tamim bin Al Thani who took over after his father's abdication in 2013. King Tamim has been a major force in getting his kingdom to host international sporting events. Exposing  Qatar's human rights abuses is important, but it should not be ignored that France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States still hold diplomatic relations with the kingdom. The European countries do not have a perfect human rights record and at times aid Qatar in the destabilization of other Arab states. Qatar has assisted  a number of armed groups and terrorists in Syria and Libya. Despite this information, that will not stop soccer fans from watching or going to Qatar. Corruption might actually go deeper with accusations of Qatar rigging the host selection process. Professional football is a major business and it is a sport that Qatar wants more influence. The kingdom has protection by the West, because follows particular policies related to Middle East affairs. The governments of North America and Europe have little credibility lecturing about human rights when they have invaded Global South nations. Only human rights activists have the credibility to do so. Trying to raise awareness is difficult with a football fandom,  which does not want to think of their sport contributing to human rights abuses.    

Anti-French Protests In Chad

 

Chad has erupted in protests against France. Frustration has grown over the military control of government and French influence over internal affairs. Chadians are seeing their government as a puppet regime to Paris and now are taking action. The Transitional Military Council has the full support of France. Chad has been an essential partner in the country's attempt to establish a sphere of influence in Africa. Since the death of President Idriss Deby the Chad has been in a state of discord.  French linked  businesses were attacked in N' Djamena. The real power in the country has been concentrated in Mahamat Idriss. Son of the former president, he has not made any decrees about returning to a civilian government. The targets of attacks were petrol stations operated by the French company Total Energies.  France has troops in West Africa under the excuse of fighting terrorism. While armed conflict has been present in West Africa, a French military presence does not help. Chad hosts a  French military base in Chad's capital N' Djamena. Rumors have been circulating that France was intending to build more. Currently there is  estimated to be  1,000 French troops at the base. Occupation is a catalyst for terrorism and protests. The demand to expel the French, have democratic reforms, and basic rights is growing. The Transitional Military Council can only survive with French assistance. Mahamat Idriss might be slowly making his way to consolidate power through repression and French aid. This will not deter the demonstrations, which have been happening since 2021. 

The Roma Face Violence In Ukraine

 

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has caused an increase in refugees. However, there has been a double standard in sympathy from the EU countries. The Roma were facing violence before the war broke out. The growing power of neo-Nazi and authoritarian right groups has only exacerbated racism. Ethnic Russians in Ukraine were not the only ones attacked by far-right extremists in the Donbas. Roma have been targeted and made scapegoats. African and Asian people in Ukraine were also subject to racism when attempting to flee warzones. The European Union has done little to help the non-white refugees to escape the war torn country. The lack of media coverage related to these human rights abuses reveals a case of worthy and unworthy victims. President Zelensky has not even acknowledged Roma concerns in Ukraine. The dramatic rise in far-right extremism in Eastern Europe began with the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. Ever since  then, Eastern European states have developed a growing xenophobia and prejudice. The Roma who are able to flee or reach a safe area still face racial discrimination. Europe has never been accepting of the Roma people. If  nothing is done to improve conditions, the EU will further lose credibility. The Roma might awaken across Europe in a new form of political consciousness as a result of longtime persecution.  

A Coup In Burkina Faso

 

Burkina Faso has fallen to a military coup. This is part of a political trend happening across the continent . This is not the first time the country has experienced military takeover or attempts. An attempted coup happened in 2015. The leader of the takeover is Paul Henri Damiba . Gunfights had taken place in the capital of Ouagadougu. Monday it was reported the military was removing the civilian government. The group of soldiers are part of a political  organization  known as the Patriotic Movement for Safeguard and Restoration. Burkina Faso faces challenges from terrorism, French interference, and ineffective government. President Kabore who was deposed in the coup failed to address the issues regarding the anti- government protests. Since 2014 Burkina Faso has struggled to be stable after the fall of Blaise Compaore. Roch Kabore was elected president in 2015. He did not make changes required to have a stable political atmosphere. Frustration grew among the citizens and the military. Now the parliament and constitution are dissolved.      

Unrest in Kazakhstan

 

Protests broke out across Kazakhstan. This was in response to fuel price increases. There are other grievances that have been articulated. Frustration with the government has grown over the years. The protest caused a large number of cabinet resignations and a state of emergency to be declared. The removal of price controls on liquefied petroleum gas. It has been reported that former President Nursultan Nazarbayev will no longer be on the Security Council. This was expressed as one of the complaints coming from demonstrators in the cities. There is a feeling that Nazarbayev still holds political influence even though he resigned in 2019. This is the first real challenge to current President Kassym-Jomart  Tokayev. The fear of the leaders of the Kazakhstan is the people are going to demand more freedoms and a limit on the powers of the presidency. President Tokayev has asked for military assistance from Russia, Belarus, and Kyrgyzstan. While there has been violence, little evidence exists that external actors are active in sabotage . The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) might intervene to prevent a Central Asian spring. Kazakhstan has only had two presidents since becoming an independent nation in 1991. The demand for a new system of governance could be evolving.  

The European Union Renews Arms Embargo Against Zimbabwe

 

The European Union has renewed  the arms embargo against Zimbabwe. Sanctions still remain in place. The claim is related to the country's human rights situation, but other African nations that favor EU policies are exempt.  While sanctions against  government officials can be justified, economic warfare against the population is not. The UK is the most vocal in keeping sanctions. The reason is not out of the concern for human rights, rather to have influence over a former colony. There was little condemnation with the military coup in 2017 that ended the Robert Mugabe presidency. The reason was due to the idea that President Emmerson Mnangawa  would be more accommodating to EU foreign policy objectives. His  repression became more apparent with the imprisonment of journalists and opposition figures. Zimbabwe internal politics need reform, but it should not be directed by external foreign entities . The African Union can be a place of dialogue and regulation of arms being imported into Africa. The global arms trade is a challenge to stability because it aids in the continuation of various conflicts. This arms embargo is not designed to stop some form of military aggression or protect the public from a coup. Zimbabwe may be gradually weakened for future regime change. Whatever the true intention is Zimbabweans still live under unfavorable conditions.   

Bangladesh Relocating An Estimated 7,000 Rohingya Refugees

 

Bangladesh  since December of 2020 has  been moving Rohingya refugees to Bhasan Char island. The estimated of people relocated so far has been 7,000. This has the potential to be a human rights violation. The government has stated this is voluntary, but some reports have claimed some refugees were forced to get on boats for transport. There is no guarantee that conditions will be any better than the camps that are on the border with Myanmar. The United Nations has not been able to evaluate the island for safety concerns. Refugees are not permitted to leave Bhasan Char once they arrive. This relocation of refugees indicates that either Bangladesh either is preparing for another wave of people crossing the border or is making preparations for future deportation. It cannot be said for certain what the motive is. The sudden coup that has occurred in Myanmar  will at some point impact Bangladesh. More people might flee to the country as protests and violence escalate . The overthrow of a democratically elected government leaves little hope that the Rohingya can be repatriated . As long as ethnic strife continues, Bangladesh may become the Rohingya's permanent home.   

Alpha Conde Will Seek A Third Term As President of Guinea

 

Alpha Conde has been president of Guinea since 2010. Now, the longtime leader is seeking a third term in what could be the country's most contentious  election. Before the 2013 election there were clashes.   There are fears that such events could repeat in 2020. ECOWAS may respond in a similar manner like it did with Gambia. The African Union and ECOWAS have been known to intervene in states, which suffer from extreme political instability and factionalism. The challenge for African states is keeping free and fair elections and imposing term limits on presidents. Leaders of certain African nations extend their rule through referendums or electoral fraud. Guinea has a total of 12 candidates running for the presidency. The opposition remains fractured, indicating that Conde will most likely get a third term. Voters have until the October 18th to cast their ballots. Post-election violence is common in various countries that do not have a long history of democratic government. Conde compared  to the more authoritarian presidents of the African continent is more of a reformer. Many times he was the opposition to previous administrations.  When elected to his first term, he promised to confront corruption and strengthen  democratic institutions. So far, these has progressed slowly and the public grows more restless. A third Conde term may not bring the change that Guinea desires.