Global Tensions and Economic Recoveries: Highlights from Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 to UNRWA Tragedies and Libyan Oil Crisis Talks
Saudi Arabia shows economic stability with 4.9% non-oil recovery and 1% inflation rate in Q1 2024.
Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 has shown significant progress in the first quarter of 2024, according to the Saudi Council of Economic and Development Affairs' recent report. This report highlighted a 4.9% recovery in the non-oil economy and stable inflation at 1%, showing promising economic stability.
Unfortunately, in international news, the UNRWA reported that six of its staff members were killed in Israeli airstrikes on a school in Gaza, as the conflict continues to escalate since the Hamas attack on October 7. The tragic incident led to the highest death toll among UNRWA staff in a single event, amid significant casualties on both sides.
Meanwhile, in Libya, UN-facilitated talks have advanced concerning the central bank crisis, with more discussions planned to finalize an agreement. This progress aims to resolve the 81% drop in oil exports triggered by a conflict over the central bank's leadership between Libya's rival factions.
Turning to the West Bank, the shooting death of Turkish-American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi during a protest against Israeli settlements has sparked international outcry. Israeli forces have been accused by the United Nations rights office, and Eygi's death has attracted scrutiny from leaders such as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President Joe Biden, demanding accountability.
In France, conservative Prime Minister Michel Barnier, appointed by President Emmanuel Macron, is forming a new government amid alliances from various political spectrums and a hung parliament. The urgency is heightened with an October 1 deadline for the 2025 budget draft, especially with the left-wing NFP and far-right RN vowing to overturn last year’s pension reform.
Finally, in the United States, Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden set aside their political battles to unite at a 9/11 memorial in New York. This rare moment of unity was in sharp contrast to the fiercely contested election campaign, with Harris's debate performance notably influencing public opinion.
Unfortunately, in international news, the UNRWA reported that six of its staff members were killed in Israeli airstrikes on a school in Gaza, as the conflict continues to escalate since the Hamas attack on October 7. The tragic incident led to the highest death toll among UNRWA staff in a single event, amid significant casualties on both sides.
Meanwhile, in Libya, UN-facilitated talks have advanced concerning the central bank crisis, with more discussions planned to finalize an agreement. This progress aims to resolve the 81% drop in oil exports triggered by a conflict over the central bank's leadership between Libya's rival factions.
Turning to the West Bank, the shooting death of Turkish-American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi during a protest against Israeli settlements has sparked international outcry. Israeli forces have been accused by the United Nations rights office, and Eygi's death has attracted scrutiny from leaders such as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President Joe Biden, demanding accountability.
In France, conservative Prime Minister Michel Barnier, appointed by President Emmanuel Macron, is forming a new government amid alliances from various political spectrums and a hung parliament. The urgency is heightened with an October 1 deadline for the 2025 budget draft, especially with the left-wing NFP and far-right RN vowing to overturn last year’s pension reform.
Finally, in the United States, Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden set aside their political battles to unite at a 9/11 memorial in New York. This rare moment of unity was in sharp contrast to the fiercely contested election campaign, with Harris's debate performance notably influencing public opinion.
