SYRIA – UNITED STATES
The United States has removed Syria from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, revoking a designation that had been in place for decades and which entailed severe economic restrictions. This marks a further step forward in improving relations between the two countries. The US State Department has also revoked the designation of the Al-Nusra Front – known as Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) – as a global terrorist organisation. The rebels led by HTS, and its leader Al-Sharaa, overthrew the Assad regime in 2024.
CHINA – INDIA
Xi Jinping is expected to attend next month’s BRICS summit in New Delhi with a large delegation, according to three sources. This would be his first visit in seven years, signalling a thaw in relations between the two countries. India will host the summit on 12–13 September, where Xi’s presence will be noted not so much for the BRICS agenda as for what it signifies regarding the efforts by Beijing and New Delhi to stabilise relations following the deadly clashes on the Himalayan border in 2020. The BRICS summit will also precede Xi’s trip to Washington, which is currently scheduled for 24 September.
INDIA
India’s federal financial crimes agency has carried out raids on two premises linked to a Protestant pastor in the state of Rajasthan, accusing him of receiving large sums in donations from abroad without the required licence (FCRA) and of channelling the money into proselytising activities amongst poor tribal communities and Dalit Hindus. Furthermore, five Christians in Uttar Pradesh were arrested after a Hindu mob stormed a Sunday prayer meeting, accusing those present of carrying out religious conversions.
NEPAL
Activists and politicians in Nepal have urged the government to introduce tougher laws, after the rape and murder of a three-year-old girl sparked outrage across the country. In Nepal, protests have continued since the victim was found dead last week, three days after she went missing in Madhesh province. Nine people have been arrested in connection with the case. The crime has sparked calls for reform; furthermore, the police have been accused of negligence in the early stages of the investigation.
VIETNAM – JAPAN – CHINA – TAIWAN
Floods and landslides caused by Typhoon Narra have devastated northern Vietnam and the southern Chinese region of Guangxi, whilst the heavy rains accompanying the storm have damaged infrastructure and crops.
Rising water levels prompted China to evacuate around 54,000 people, 8,087 of whom were moved to emergency shelters. Meanwhile, Typhoon Saudel, a medium-intensity storm, has moved towards southern Japan and northern Taiwan, where it is expected to bring sporadic heavy rain, whilst Taiwan has reported one death and four people missing as a result of another weather event that struck its southern and eastern regions.
UKRAINE
Ukraine celebrated Independence Day on 24 August, commemorating how, 35 years ago, the then Supreme Council of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic adopted the Declaration of Independence, which led to the agreement to dissolve the USSR. Present in Kyiv were the presidents of Moldova, Maia Sandu; of Estonia, Alar Caris; of Luxembourg, Luc Frieden; and the President of the European Council, António Costa. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham also arrived in Kyiv unannounced, on his first overseas trip.
ARMENIA
Armenia will soon begin the process of submitting its official application for EU membership. This was announced by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in a speech to parliament, commenting on Russia’s request for a referendum on Armenia’s continued membership of the Eurasian Economic Community (EEC) or on accession to the EU. According to Pashinyan, a referendum could be held once Armenia has submitted its official application to the EU, received a response and agreed on a possible timetable for the potential accession process.
