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The 'New Iron Curtain' Rises
Land mines, chemical weapons, and rising fear across Europe’s east.
Nathaniel Nepomuceno
July 06, 2025
🌍 Welcome to this week’s Unwestern! From chemical weapons in Ukraine to political storms in Colombia and a malaria-free Suriname, here’s your curated global catch-up.
Last updated on July 5th, 2025 at 18:13 UTC-4
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Eastern Europe
Eastern Europe to plant land mines in face of Russian threat
As Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine, 5 out of 6 countries bordering Russia or Belarus - Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland - plan to restart production of land mines by 2026. The announcement follows their withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention - which bans anti-personnel mines worldwide. Citing existential threats, these countries argue that old rules no longer apply in the face of potential Russian aggression. However, critics point to long-term threat to civilians: in 2023, 80% of landmine victims were civilians, including children. It marks a growing tension, with some calling the plan the ‘New Iron Curtain.’
Intelligence agencies say Russia is using chemical weapons in Ukraine, with Dutch and German officials sounding alarms over banned substances on the battlefield. Read more
Serbia sees ongoing protests and daily arrests, as citizens push back against state repression and police violence. Read more
Asia & the Pacific
One of Hong Kong’s last pro-democracy groups disbands
Facing “tremendous political pressure,” the League of Social Democrats (LSD) has formally disbanded after 19 years. It is 3rd major pro-democracy party to disband after the 2020 Beijing-imposed national security law that gave police power to silence dissidents. Many democrats and activists have been arrested under this law, including LSD’s former chair. With civil society shrinking, critics say Hong Kong's space for dissent is nearing extinction.
Thai PM Paetongtarn suspended by Constitutional Court, after the leaked call scandal and a massive anti-government protest on Saturday. Read more
The Dalai Lama counters Beijing’s insistence in choosing his successor, saying his trust will have the sole authority to choose the next Dalai Lama. Read more
Latin America & the Caribbean
Chile’s Communist candidate wins key primary
In a major shake-up ahead of Chile’s next general election, Partido Comunista de Chile candidate Jeannette Jara has won a crucial primary, defeating several centrist and leftist rivals to become the presidential nominee for the left-wing coalition. Jara, the former Secretary of Labor under Boric, is expected to face off against the far-right José Antonio Kast. He is expected polarize the contest, presenting Jara as a dangerous communist and Cuban sympathizer.
Colombia’s President Petro collects crises after a corruption scandal involving ex-Foreign Minister Álvaro Leyva deepens, adding to a string of crises undermining his reform agenda. Read more
Caribbean civil society groups are calling for sanctions and an arms embargo on Israel, denouncing its actions in Gaza and framing it as a “rogue state.” Read more
Africa
Kenya waives injured Protestors’ medical bills after police violence
Following days of national outrage, the Kenyan government has agreed to cover hospital bills for the 19 killed and over 400 injured during last week’s Gen-Z-led demonstrations. The move comes after 23-year-old Boniface Kariuki was shot in the head by police during the protests, became a symbol and martyr. The protests have become a flashpoint for youth anger over police brutality and economic inequality.
Civilians in Sudan’s El Fasher are in grave danger of mass killings, as killings, sexual violence, and attacks by the RSF increase. Read more
Flooding in South Africa’s Eastern Cape has killed at least 102 people, with disaster relief efforts underway amid calls for better infrastructure. Read more
Middle East
Israel and Hamas inch toward ceasefire amid rising deaths
As Israel intensifies its operations in Gaza—killing 15 in the latest airstrikes—it has also sent a delegation to Qatar for ceasefire talks. Hamas said it responded to a US-backed ceasefire proposal with a “positive spirit.” However, Netanyahu, set to meet with Trump on Monday, has not commented on the proposal - repeatedly demanding that Hamas must be disarmed. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deterioriate.
Turkey arrests three opposition mayors, intensifying what critics call a crackdown ahead of elections. Read more
The U.N. has withdrawn nuclear inspectors from Iran, citing deteriorating safety amid mounting tensions. Read more
Good News Around the World
Suriname has officially been declared malaria-free by the WHO, making it the 12th country in the Americas to achieve this status. Read more
Global child labor has dropped by 20 million in 5 years, a sign that sustained efforts in education and regulation are paying off. Read more
In southern India, an all-female team are reviving endangered species, creating a botanical “Noah’s Ark” for future generations. Read more
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