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On 13th March 2019 China once again blocked the proposal of blacklisting Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Mohammed Masood Azhar Alvi as a 'global terrorist' in the United Nations. The proposal was put forth following the horrendous terror attack by JeM in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on 14th February wherein 44 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) soldiers were martyred. The proposal was moved on 27th February by the United States, France and the United Kingdom under 1267 Islamic State and Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN.
This was the fourth time in a decade that China blocked UN's designation of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. It placed a 'technical hold' on the appeal in order to provide the committee more time for consultation on the issue. Masood Azhar has been accused by India of being the mastermind behind four deadly attacks in India; the 2001 attack on the Parliament, Pathankot Air Base attack, Uri attack and the Pulwama attack. In the past India has raised the proposal in the UN in 2009, 2016 and 2017 which were blocked by the Chinese delegation.
The proposal entailed imposition of travel ban, assets freeze and arms embargo on Azhar. This decision would have crippled the movement and funds of Azhar thereby hindering the purchase and access to arms and ammunition by JeM. However, wielding the veto-power in the United Nations Security Council, China has leverage over India in the UN. Given the colossal investments that China has made in Pakistan in the form of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Gwadar port, its support to the latter is seen as an attempt to protect its national and economic interests. However, this has also in turn has impacted and strained relations between India and China.
Mass shooting at two mosques in New Zealand, Australia killed around 48 people and left 11 injured where majority of the people are said to be of Muslim community. This mass shooting has been regarded as an act of terror and has been condemned by New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Arden and said strict actions will be taken regarding the gun laws in the country. Brenton Tarrant, 28, prime suspect of this mass murder, live-streamed the attack from a head mounted camera and identified himself in the footage. Intelligence team of Australia reports that the suspect had been planning this mass killing for months. It was a well-planned event.
Police reports that they have acquired weapons from both the mosques and explosive devices were found in a car belonging to one of the suspects. Brenton, the prime suspect, is an extreme right-wing activist and a violent terrorist. He has repeatedly mentioned about his intentions in his 87-page Manifesto. His social media profile, reportedly, has shown his anger towards the immigrants and his dire need to drive them away from "his soil". Four suspects have been arrested with no records of criminal background. People have been victim of what some might want to call it as islamophobia and white supremacy.
This event is said to be the darkest time for the country and Muslim community all around the world. This event has brought terrorism and a tighter surveillance of social media platforms onto a greater notice to the world.
Earlier this week Britain's parliament rejected the second referendum adding to the frustration of the Prime Minister Theresa May with the last date of march 29th around the corner Britain is running out of options. Failure to reach any conclusion by 29th March would lead to Brexit's collapse. If Brexit deal fails to go through then it is expected that the stock prices of Tata and Arcelor-Mittal will rise.
With the European Parliament elections coming soon the Brexit issue has become a major bone of contention. The EU is in favour of fast-tracking the Brexit issue because any further delay would add up to the prolonged process but it is most likely to receive extension. The repeated extensions of the Brexit deal and failing to reach any solution has caused huge burden on EU wallet.
With Italy having talks with China regarding the Belt and Road Initiative it's crucial for European Union to safeguard its credibility. Hence, it is important for the European Union to make sure the Brexit problem is solved as soon as possible.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons, CBS News, The Atlantic