The David Hunter Perspective - 2024-01-17

Read on for today's agenda below prepared by David (thank you very much). - Retired US Diplomat to 5 different nations  David Hunter shares his knowledge, passion, interest, and experience.

1)UK Prime Minister Sunak Visits Ukraine: Last week, on Jan 12th, UK Prime Minister Sunak visited Kiev to meet President Zelensky. He included a grant of $2.5 billion to help Ukraine's military oppose Russia. He also signed a 10 year 'security cooperation agreement' with Ukraine, to last until Ukraine becomes a NATO member state. What does all this mean in the nearly two year long Russian war against Ukraine?

2)Taiwan Holds Presidential Elections: Mr. Lai Ching of the Democratic Progressive Party won election as next President of Taiwan. His party promotes quasi-independence from the PRC, known as Communist China. President Biden earlier said he would help defend Taiwan if attacked by Communist China. But he doesn't support Taiwan's independence. Has anything changed as result of this election?

3)Biden's New White House Advisor on Israel-Gaza War?: Recently Biden appointed Mr. Amos Hochstein as Presidential Coordinator for Global Infrastructure and Energy Security. He is also helping Secretary of State Blinken limit the expansion of the Gaza conflict. What makes his appointment unusual?

4)100 Days of War in Gaza Sees Israel Accused of Genocide in High Court: This weekend saw the 100th day of Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza. The International Court of Justice heard a case filed by South Africa accusing Israel of committing Genocide. South Africa is asking the court to order an 'immediate ceasefire' to stop the alleged genocide.  Will the court make such an order, and if so, will Israel comply?