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Sunday, June 13, 2021

June 13, 2021

Israel Parliament Set To Vote On Anti-Benjamin Netanyahu Government

 Israel Parliament Set To Vote On Anti-Benjamin Netanyahu Government

The ever-combative Benjamin Netanyahu has tried to peel off defectors that would deprive the nascent coalition of its wafer thin legislative majority.

Israel Parliament Set To Vote On Anti-Benjamin Netanyahu Government

Benjamin Netanyahu has pushed Israeli politics firmly to the right over the years (File)




Jerusalem: 

Israeli lawmakers are to vote Sunday on a "change" coalition government of bitter ideological rivals united by their determination to banish Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from power.

The crunch Knesset vote will either terminate the hawkish premier's uninterrupted 12-year tenure or return Israel to a stalemate likely to trigger a fifth general election since 2019.

Netanyahu, who is battling a clutch of corruption charges in an ongoing trial he dismisses as a conspiracy, has pushed Israeli politics firmly to the right over the years.

On Saturday night, around 2,000 protesters rallied outside the 71-year-old's official residence to celebrate what they believe will be his departure from office.

"For us, this is a big night and tomorrow will be even a bigger day. I am almost crying. We fought peacefully for this (Netanyahu's departure) and the day has come," said protester Ofir Robinski.

A fragile eight-party alliance, ranging from the right-wing Jewish nationalist Yamina party to Arab lawmakers, was early this month cobbled together by centrist politician Yair Lapid.

On Friday, all coalition agreements had been signed and submitted to the Knesset secretariat, Yamina announced, a moment party leader Naftali Bennett said brought "to an end two and a half years of political crisis".

But the ever-combative Netanyahu has tried to peel off defectors that would deprive the nascent coalition of its wafer thin legislative majority.

'Peaceful transition'

If the new government is confirmed, Bennett, a former defence minister, would serve as premier for two years.

Coalition architect Lapid, who heads the Yesh Atid party and is a former television presenter, would then take the helm.

The anti-Netanyahu bloc spans the political spectrum, including three right-wing, two centrist and two left-wing parties, along with an Arab Islamic conservative party.

The improbable alliance emerged two weeks after an 11-day war between Israel and Hamas, the Islamist group that rules the Palestinian enclave of Gaza and following inter-communal violence in Israeli cities with significant Arab populations.

"We will work together, out of partnership and national responsibility -- and I believe we will succeed," Bennett said Friday.

Sunday's crucial Knesset session is due to open at 4:00 pm local time (1300 GMT), with Bennett, Lapid and Netanyahu all set to speak before the vote.

Netanyahu has heaped pressure on his former right-wing allies to defect from the fledgling coalition while attacking the legitimacy of the Bennett-Lapid partnership.

He has accused Bennett of "fraud" for siding with rivals, and angry rallies by the premier's Likud party supporters have resulted in security being bolstered for some lawmakers.

Netanyahu's bombastic remarks as he sees his grip on power slip have drawn parallels at home and abroad to former US president Donald Trump, who described his election loss last year as the result of a rigged vote.

The prime minister has called the prospective coalition "the greatest election fraud in the history" of Israel.

His Likud party said the accusations refer to Bennett entering a coalition that "doesn't reflect the will of the voters".

'Scorched earth'

Sunday's vote arrives hot on the heels of police crackdowns on Palestinian protests over the threatened eviction of families from homes in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem to make way for Jewish settlers, a month after similar clashes fuelled the latest war between Israel and Hamas.

It also comes amid right-wing anger over the postponement of a controversial Jewish nationalist march.

Netanyahu favoured finding a way to allow the so-called "March of the Flags", originally scheduled to take place last Thursday, to proceed as planned.

He took that position despite the original route envisaging the march unfolding close to flashpoint areas including the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, where clashes last month triggered the Gaza conflict.

The premier's insistence saw his opponents accuse him and his allies of stoking tensions to cling onto power via a "scorched-earth" campaign.

If Netanyahu loses the premiership, he will not be able to push through changes to basic laws that could give him immunity in regard to his corruption trial.

Israel Parliament Set To Vote On Anti-Benjamin Netanyahu Government


Jerusalem: 

Israeli lawmakers are to vote Sunday on a "change" coalition government of bitter ideological rivals united by their determination to banish Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from power.

The crunch Knesset vote will either terminate the hawkish premier's uninterrupted 12-year tenure or return Israel to a stalemate likely to trigger a fifth general election since 2019.

Netanyahu, who is battling a clutch of corruption charges in an ongoing trial he dismisses as a conspiracy, has pushed Israeli politics firmly to the right over the years.

On Saturday night, around 2,000 protesters rallied outside the 71-year-old's official residence to celebrate what they believe will be his departure from office.

"For us, this is a big night and tomorrow will be even a bigger day. I am almost crying. We fought peacefully for this (Netanyahu's departure) and the day has come," said protester Ofir Robinski.

A fragile eight-party alliance, ranging from the right-wing Jewish nationalist Yamina party to Arab lawmakers, was early this month cobbled together by centrist politician Yair Lapid.

On Friday, all coalition agreements had been signed and submitted to the Knesset secretariat, Yamina announced, a moment party leader Naftali Bennett said brought "to an end two and a half years of political crisis".

But the ever-combative Netanyahu has tried to peel off defectors that would deprive the nascent coalition of its wafer thin legislative majority.

'Peaceful transition'

If the new government is confirmed, Bennett, a former defence minister, would serve as premier for two years.

Coalition architect Lapid, who heads the Yesh Atid party and is a former television presenter, would then take the helm.

The anti-Netanyahu bloc spans the political spectrum, including three right-wing, two centrist and two left-wing parties, along with an Arab Islamic conservative party.

The improbable alliance emerged two weeks after an 11-day war between Israel and Hamas, the Islamist group that rules the Palestinian enclave of Gaza and following inter-communal violence in Israeli cities with significant Arab populations.

"We will work together, out of partnership and national responsibility -- and I believe we will succeed," Bennett said Friday.

Sunday's crucial Knesset session is due to open at 4:00 pm local time (1300 GMT), with Bennett, Lapid and Netanyahu all set to speak before the vote.

Netanyahu has heaped pressure on his former right-wing allies to defect from the fledgling coalition while attacking the legitimacy of the Bennett-Lapid partnership.

He has accused Bennett of "fraud" for siding with rivals, and angry rallies by the premier's Likud party supporters have resulted in security being bolstered for some lawmakers.

Netanyahu's bombastic remarks as he sees his grip on power slip have drawn parallels at home and abroad to former US president Donald Trump, who described his election loss last year as the result of a rigged vote.

The prime minister has called the prospective coalition "the greatest election fraud in the history" of Israel.

His Likud party said the accusations refer to Bennett entering a coalition that "doesn't reflect the will of the voters".

'Scorched earth'

Sunday's vote arrives hot on the heels of police crackdowns on Palestinian protests over the threatened eviction of families from homes in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem to make way for Jewish settlers, a month after similar clashes fuelled the latest war between Israel and Hamas.

It also comes amid right-wing anger over the postponement of a controversial Jewish nationalist march.

Netanyahu favoured finding a way to allow the so-called "March of the Flags", originally scheduled to take place last Thursday, to proceed as planned.

He took that position despite the original route envisaging the march unfolding close to flashpoint areas including the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, where clashes last month triggered the Gaza conflict.

The premier's insistence saw his opponents accuse him and his allies of stoking tensions to cling onto power via a "scorched-earth" campaign.

If Netanyahu loses the premiership, he will not be able to push through changes to basic laws that could give him immunity in regard to his corruption trial.

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The controversial flag march is now slated for Tuesday and ongoing tensions surrounding it could represent a key initial test for any approved coalition.

June 13, 2021

Boris Johnson Restrictions

Uncertainty hangs over plans to lift the last of the UK's lockdown restrictions


The spread of the Delta variant, first identified in India, has led some scientists to call for a delay, and the government says it is "open" to that idea.


When could lockdown be lifted?

The final stage of lifting lockdown in England won't take place before 21 June - with ministers making an announcement on 14 June.


Sources have told the BBC the government is considering delaying the lifting by up to four weeks.


How will the government decide whether to delay?

Boris Johnson says it's clear Covid cases and hospitalisations are increasing in the UK.


Health Secretary Matt Hancock told a committee of MPs that the Delta variant is now responsible for 91% of new cases.


Some experts believes a third wave of the disease has already begun, including microbiologist Prof Ravi Gupta, who says the next phase of lockdown easing should be postponed.


Why June 21 lockdown easing may have to wait

Lockdown lifting - the four key numbers

Public health officials have said lifting the last Covid restrictions in England on 21 June should be delayed to "stop us going backwards".


The PM insists the government will be "driven by the data", as it tries to assess if the vaccine rollout has built up enough protection in the population to allow further relaxation of the rules.


More than half of all UK adults are fully vaccinated, and over three-quarters have received their first jab.


What restrictions would be lifted?

The government hopes to "remove all legal limits on social contact" in England:


No limit on how many people you can invite to your home

Pubs, clubs, theatres and cinemas allowed to operate without capacity limits

Sports events able to take place in full stadiums

Nightclubs able to open

An end to limits on guests for weddings and other life events

Even if these restrictions are removed, rules on face coverings and social distancing could remain in place, as reviews are continuing.


What about dates in the rest of the UK?

Timetables vary for the easing of rules.


In Northern Ireland, 21 June has been given as an "indicative date" for a number of changes (subject to 17 June review):


Ten people from two households can meet in private homes

If a household has more than six members, the number of adults indoors can be up to 15

Up to 15 people from any number households can meet outdoors in a private garden

Household bubbles (linked households) set to end

Live music in hospitality venues allowed at "ambient levels", no dancing

Theatres reopen and concerts restart - subject to Covid-safety measures

Lockdown measures in Waleswill be reviewed on 21 June.


The whole of Scotland is due to move to level zero, the lowest level of restrictions, on 28 June - but the prevalence of the Delta variant, first detected in India, may delay that.


What am I allowed to do at the moment?

Exact rules may vary between nations and - in Scotland - between areas:


Pubs, cafes, bars and restaurants can reopen indoors

Holiday accommodation has reopened

Cinemas, amusement arcades and bingo halls can open

Indoor visitor attractions, including museums and galleries, can open

Leisure centres, gyms and swimming pools can reopen and indoor group exercise is allowed (with limits)

Outdoor contact sports are allowed

Travel around the UK is allowed, and some international travel can resume (in line with the traffic light system)

Care home residents can receive visitors

Wedding receptions and funeral wakes can take place

Some outdoor events - including concerts and sports fixtures - can take place in front of an audience

Postcode check: How are the rules changing for you?


Who can I meet at the moment?

Rules vary for each UK nation:


In England, groups of up to 30 can meet outdoors and six people or two households can meet indoors (and stay overnight)

In Wales, three households can form an extended household and mix in private homes; up to 30 people can meet outdoors in a public place or private garden

In Northern Ireland, up to six people from two households can meet in private homes (under-13s not counted towards total) and overnight stays are allowed; up to 15 people (including children) from no more than three households can meet outdoors, including in private gardens

Rules are more complicated in Scotland.


Glasgow is now at Covid protection level two, along with 13 other areas - Edinburgh, Midlothian, Dundee, East Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, East Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, Clackmannanshire and Stirling.


In these areas:


Groups of six from a maximum of three households can meet in private and public indoor spaces (and stay overnight)

Eight people from eight households can meet outdoors

Some districts have moved to Covid protection level one (down from level two) - Highland, Argyll and Bute, Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Angus, Perth and Kinross, Falkirk, Fife, Inverclyde, East Lothian, West Lothian, West Dunbartonshire, Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders.


The rules for meeting are:


Six people from a maximum of three households can meet in a private home (and stay overnight)

Up to eight people from three households can meet in an indoor public place like a cafe, pub or restaurant (indoors until 23:00, outdoors subject to local licensing rules)

12 people from 12 households can meet outdoors

Shetland, Orkney, the Western Isles and a number of remote islands are now at level zero (down from level one).


The rules for these areas include:


Up to eight people from four households can meet inside in a private home (and stay overnight)

Up to 10 people from four households can meet in an indoor public place like a cafe, pub or restaurant

Up to 15 people from 15 households can meet outdoors

In all levels, children under the age of 12 are not included in the total number of people - but they are counted in the limit on the number of different households.


Travellers to and from Scottish islands are encouraged to take two rapid lateral flow tests before departure.


What about areas with high numbers of Indian/Delta variant cases?

The government has updated guidance for people in eight areas of England - Greater Manchester, Blackburn with Darwen, Lancashire (area covered by Lancashire County Council). Kirklees, Bedford, Leicester, Hounslow and North Tyneside.


In these places, "wherever possible, you should try to":


meet friends and family outside

keep 2m (6ft) apart from people you don't live or bubble with

minimise travel in and out of affected areas

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

February 17, 2021

New India-Russia Ties

New India-Russia Ties:

 


This article is based on “Bridge the geopolitical distance with Russia” which was published in The Hindustan Times on 16/02/2021. It talks about the importance that Russia and India hold for each other in the present geopolitical scenario.


The year 2020 saw several geopolitical events that impacted both India and Russia. For instance, the sharpening rivalry between the US and China, the India-China border tussle, the continuing decline in ties between the West and Russia, and now change of leadership in the US.

As Russia and India both desire a multi-polar world, they are equally important for each other in fulfilling each other's national interests. However, due to the changing geopolitical scenario, the relationship between both countries is not as good as it used to be in the cold war era.

In this context, the forthcoming visit of India’s Foreign secretary to Russia is a good occasion to examine the relevance of Indo-Russian ties in a world of changing geopolitical equations.

Importance of Russia for India

  • Balancing China: The Chinese aggression in the border areas of eastern Ladakh, brought India-China relations to an inflection point, but also demonstrated that Russia is capable of contributing to defusing tensions with China.
    • Russia organized a trilateral meeting among the foreign ministers of Russia, India, and China following deadly clashes in the Galwan Valley in the disputed territory of Ladakh.
  • Emerging New Sectors of Economic Engagement: Apart from traditional areas of cooperation such as weapons, hydrocarbons, nuclear energy, and diamonds, new sectors of economic engagement are likely to emerge — mining, agro-industrial, and high technology, including robotics, nanotech, and biotech.
    • India’s footprint in the Russian Far East and in the Arctic is set to expand. Connectivity projects may get a boost too.
  • Combating Terrorism: India and Russia are working to close the gap on Afghanistan and are calling for early finalization of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
  • Support At Multilateral Forums: Additionally, Russia supports India’s candidacy for permanent membership of a reformed United Nations Security Council and of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

Importance of India For Russia

  • Balancing China: Russia and China are currently in a quasi-alliance setup. However, Russia repeatedly reiterates that it does not see itself as anybody’s junior partner. That’s why Russia wants India to act as a balancer.
    • For Instance, Russia’s Far East is a huge landmass that is rich in resources but is sparsely populated and underdeveloped.
    • Till now, its development has primarily revolved around Chinese dominance and so Russia wants to diversify with the help of India to lessen Russia’s growing dependence on China.
  • Reviving Eurasian Economic Union: Russia seeks to leverage India’s soft power to gain legitimacy in the success of the Eurasian Economic Union, and re-establishing its hegemony, as it existed during the cold war era.

Main Challenge

  • India Going West: China’s expansionist foreign policy forced India to shed past hesitations and actively pursue closer ties with the West, particularly the US.
    • This can be reflected in a determined restart of the Quad process and a clearer enunciation of a free and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
  • Russia Going East: The Western countries have imposed harsh economic sanctions towards Russia after the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
    • Russia responded to these efforts to isolate it, by revving up its own “Pivot to the East”.
    • The most distinct results of which are markedly improved relations with China, and better ties with Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan.
    • Russia’s Pivot to the East policy is not in synergy with that of the US and subsequently, the relationship between India and Russia suffers.

Way Forward

  • India Engaging Russia Into Indo-Pacific Narrative: India should pursue and facilitate Russia’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific. However, Russia’s role in the Indo-Pacific will depend on how successful it is in dealing with the fundamental problems hindering its economic development.
    • Russia’s active engagement in the region would contribute to making the Indo-Pacific truly “free and inclusive”.
  • Prioritizing RIC in Indian Foreign Policy: India must promote a mutually beneficial trilateral cooperation between Russia, China, and India that could contribute towards the reduction of mistrust and suspicion between India and China.
  • Cooperation At Multilateral Forums: India and Russia continue to share a common strategic rationale for their relationship.
    • Apart from bilateral synergies, the two are members of various multilateral organizations including BRICS, RIC, G20, East Asia Summit, and SCO—where avenues for cooperation on issues of mutual importance exist.

Conclusion

It is clear that India & Russia still regard each other as valued partners with a friendship built on deep mutual trust, their foreign policy goals are taking them in different directions.

However, neither India nor Russia wants to be a junior partner to China or the United States. Thus, both countries can turn back to and bolster ties as existed in the cold war era.


Credit- Dristi IAS