Nukes, Negotiations and Abortions
EUROPE
Putin’s SOTU Rattles the Nuclear Saber — “All this really threatens a conflict including the use of nuclear weapons, and therefore the destruction of civilization—don’t they understand that?” Russian President Vladimir Putin told assembled lawmakers on Thursday, referring to the West arming Ukraine and President Macron’s recent remarks about putting NATO boots on the ground. He also hinted that work on Russian hypersonic weapons would soon conclude. Putin’s address war for the first time broadcast to various cinemas across Russia. (WSJ, FT)
Palestinian Factions Meet in Moscow — Leaders from Fatah and Hamas met each other in efforts to forge a unified front, but a breakthrough is not expected. “We were not the ones proposing this, it was Russia,” said Abdel Hafiz Nofal, the Palestinian ambassador to Moscow, who represents Fatah. “And we didn’t want to say no. Logically we didn’t want to refuse.” Talks that were held in Moscow in 2019 also failed. (FT)
Scholz Outs UK Boots on the Ground in Ukraine — German Chancellor Olaf Scholz revealed something that has long been suspected but has never been confirmed: there are Western advisors already in Ukraine helping it fight its war. Scholz, in defending his decision to not send long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, pointed out that British Storm Shadows required British troops in Ukraine to fire. He would not follow suit, thereby making Germany a "participant in the war," he said. (Telegraph)
Permanent Abortion Rights Come to France — Parliament yesterday voted to enshrine a woman's "guaranteed freedom" to an abortion in the French constitution. A final procedural vote on the ratification of the amendment is to take place next Monday. France currently makes abortion illegal after the 14th week, making exceptions for the health of the mother and narrow abnormalities of the fetus. Donald Trump has reportedly expressed support for a ban after the 16th week in the United States. (NYT, NYT)
MIDDLE EAST
Iranian Authorities Encourage Some Moderates Ahead of Elections — Iranians will vote on Friday to elect new parliamentarians, and the Assembly of Experts that will appoint a successor to the 84-year-old Supreme Leader after his death. Authorities appear to have loosened restrictions on more moderate parties participating in hopes of boosting turnout and getting more legitimacy. Turnout is expected to be between 38 and 42%. (FT)
Hamas Calls for March on Al-Aqsa — Ismail Haniyeh, the group’s political leader, called on Palestinians to head to the holy site in Jerusalem to mark the start of Ramadan on March 10 — a move that could send tensions soaring as negotiators continue to work on a ceasefire agreement. (FT)
ASIA
Doctors Continue to Hold South Korea Hostage — The South Korean doctors’ strike is continuing, despite efforts by President Yun Suk Yeol to end it through cajoling and threatening. Only some 300 quit the strike after the president said there would be no repercussions for those that returned to their posts by Thursday, while those who continued to strike would risk their licenses. At issue is a government proposal to expand admissions to medical school, which is opposed by the country’s trainee doctors who are protesting working conditions. The country’s medical system is under severe stress. (NYT)
THE AMERICAS
Overwhelmed by Refugees, Canada Slams Door Shut — Justin Trudeau's government is set to reimpose visa requirements for Mexican visitors after it found its visa-free policy being used by migrants and asylum seekers. Pressure from the United States played a role as well, given that an increasing number of people have tried to enter the United States from Canada, thereby avoiding the congested southern border. (WSJ)
