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Weekly Updates on International Politics: Civitas One Magazine

Updated: Sep 2, 2025

Vol. 1, Issue 6 — Week of August 31, 2025


I. Israel’s Military Escalations in Gaza and Yemen Ignite Global Alarm


On August 25, an Israeli airstrike hit Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, killing at least 20 people, including five journalists and several medical staff. The attack involved a “double-tap” strike, where the second missile targeted first responders and media personnel arriving after the initial blast. Among the victims was Mariam Abu Dagga, an Associated Press freelance photographer, and Hussam al-Masri, a Reuters cameraman covering the event live. The Israeli military described the incident as a “tragic mishap,” claiming the intended target was a Hamas surveillance asset located near the hospital.


The strike sparked immediate international condemnation. The United Nations called for an independent investigation, citing violations of humanitarian law and protections for medical facilities and press personnel. Human rights organizations and journalist advocacy groups accused Israel of increasingly restricting the flow of independent information from Gaza. Reports from Reuters and The Guardian indicate that evidence of Hamas military activity near the hospital remains unverified, adding to controversy over Israel’s justification for the attack.


From August 28 to 30, Israel expanded its operations into Yemen, conducting precision airstrikes in Sanaa that killed multiple senior officials of the Houthi movement, including their prime minister Ahmed Ghaleb al-Rahawi and several cabinet members overseeing defense, communications, and energy portfolios. The Houthis confirmed the deaths and transferred leadership responsibilities to Deputy Prime Minister Mohammed Ahmed Miftah. Israel framed the operation as a “strategic success,” stating that the strikes targeted a leadership meeting based on real-time intelligence.


Analysts view the Sanaa strikes as a significant escalation in Israel’s regional strategy. By striking high-ranking Houthi leadership, Israel signals its willingness to expand military operations beyond Gaza, projecting force against Iran-aligned proxies across the Middle East. Experts warn that the deaths of top Houthi figures could destabilize Yemen further, triggering retaliatory actions in the Red Sea theater and intensifying Israel’s standoff with Iran. Combined with the Khan Younis hospital strike, these events highlight the increasing risks posed by Israel’s widening conflict footprint and its potential to escalate broader regional instability.


Implications:

  • Violations of medical neutrality and press safety are exacerbating international scrutiny.

  • Israel’s extended military reach may escalate regional instability.


II. Global Markets Reel amid Fed Tensions and Tariff Ruling


Global markets experienced heightened turbulence this week as Federal Reserve policy signals and political developments fueled uncertainty. Investor optimism initially climbed after dovish remarks from Fed officials suggested that interest rate cuts could be on the table as early as September. However, growing concerns over political interference in the central bank’s decision-making raised questions about its long-term institutional independence, causing investor sentiment to waver.


Compounding the volatility, a U.S. appeals court ruled significant portions of Trump-era tariffs illegal, creating uncertainty over trade policy moving forward. The ruling reignited debates over U.S.–China relations and potential impacts on supply chains. Equities initially rallied on rate-cut expectations but later corrected sharply as investors reassessed the conflicting economic signals and prepared for increased market instability heading into September.


Implications:

  • Central bank credibility faces renewed challenges.

  • Eroding trade policy clarity risks prolonged market volatility.


III. Indonesia Erupts: Economic Discontent Fuels Nationwide Protests


Mass demonstrations erupted across Indonesia after a motorbike driver was killed by police, igniting outrage over cost-of-living struggles and a controversial parliamentary pay raise. Reports confirmed over 1,200 arrests and at least five fatalities as clashes intensified. President Prabowo framed the unrest as bordering “treason,” and social media platforms temporarily restricted live streaming.


The protests, which began in Jakarta, quickly spread to cities including Surabaya, Medan, and Makassar, highlighting widespread frustration over inflation, fuel prices, and perceived government corruption. Civil rights groups condemned the heavy-handed police response, citing reports of excessive force and arbitrary detentions. Meanwhile, international observers are closely monitoring the situation as the unrest threatens political stability in Southeast Asia’s largest economy, with economists warning that prolonged demonstrations could deter foreign investment and further strain Indonesia’s slowing growth trajectory.


Implications:

  • Public frustration over economic hardship is destabilizing Indonesian politics.

  • Heavy-handed responses may deepen civic disillusionment and fuel further unrest.


IV. Denmark Summons U.S. Envoy Over Alleged Greenland Interference


On August 27, 2025, Denmark summoned the U.S. chargé d’affaires, Mark Stroh, following reports of covert influence operations allegedly conducted by individuals linked to former President Donald Trump in Greenland. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described the activity as “a serious challenge,” emphasizing that interference in Greenland’s internal affairs is unacceptable.


The alleged operations reportedly involved U.S. citizens with ties to Trump who sought to cultivate contacts with local politicians and businesspeople, compile lists of Greenlanders sympathetic to the U.S., and promote a secessionist agenda. Denmark’s Foreign Minister expressed concern over the potential weakening of Greenland’s ties to Denmark.


Greenland, an autonomous territory under Danish sovereignty, holds strategic importance in the Arctic region due to its mineral resources and geopolitical position. This incident highlights ongoing tensions over Arctic sovereignty and the challenges of foreign influence in sensitive regions. The U.S. government has not officially confirmed the allegations. Danish authorities are investigating the matter and reinforcing safeguards against potential foreign influence.


Implications:

  • Alleged foreign interference threatens trust in transatlantic relations.

  • Greenland’s geopolitical importance may provoke intensified diplomatic focus on Arctic policy.


V. Thailand’s Political Turmoil: Prime Minister’s Removal and Public Response


On August 30, Thailand's Constitutional Court removed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office for ethical misconduct connected to leaked phone calls with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. The ruling immediately sparked nationwide political unrest, with thousands of protesters gathering in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and other major cities to demand transparency and challenge the court’s decision. Demonstrators criticized what they described as judicial overreach, questioning the legitimacy of the verdict and its impact on Thailand’s democratic processes.


The removal of Shinawatra has intensified the divide between political factions, with the opposition calling for swift implementation of new elections, while pro-government groups demanded investigations into potential external influence on the court’s decision. Analysts note that the situation has exposed deep-rooted tensions in Thailand’s political landscape, including ongoing disputes between royalist-aligned institutions, reformist movements, and rural-urban constituencies.


Economic concerns are also emerging, as political instability threatens investor confidence and could delay key infrastructure projects. Local businesses reported disruptions in supply chains and tourism, particularly in Bangkok, where protests and road blockages affected daily operations. International observers, including representatives from ASEAN, have urged calm and dialogue, stressing the importance of maintaining democratic norms and preventing escalation into broader civil unrest.


This political crisis in Thailand underscores the fragile balance between judicial authority, executive power, and popular sentiment in Southeast Asia. The coming weeks are expected to be critical as the country navigates legal challenges, public demonstrations, and regional diplomatic scrutiny.


Implications:

  • Judicial decisions can trigger immediate political unrest and mass protests.

  • Political instability risks disrupting local economies and investor confidence.


Thematic Summary

Theme

Key Development

Conflict & Humanitarian Risk

Israel’s strikes deepen global concern over civilian and press safety

Market Uncertainty

Fed intervention and tariff rulings unsettle global financial outlook

Public Unrest in Indonesia

Socioeconomic strain ignites political upheaval

Sovereignty & Diplomacy

Greenland interference allegations test U.S.–Denmark relations

Thailand Political Crisis

Court removes Prime Minister, triggering protests

Sources:


Israel & Conflict Zones

  • Reuters. 2025. “Israel Strikes Nasser Hospital in Gaza, Killing at Least 20, Including Journalists.” Reuters, August 25.

  • AP News. 2025. “AP Freelancer Killed in Gaza Hospital Strike.” AP News, August 25.

  • The Guardian. 2025. “Israel’s Hospital Strike in Gaza Sparks International Outcry.” The Guardian, August 25.

  • Reuters. 2025. “Prime Minister of Yemen’s Houthi Government Killed in Israeli Strike.” Reuters, August 30.


Markets & Policy

  • Reuters. 2025. “Dollar Slides and Gold Rallies as Trump Moves Shake Fed Independence.” Reuters, August 26.

  • The Guardian. 2025. “Court Rules Most of Trump’s Tariffs Illegal; They Stay Until Review.” The Guardian, August 30.


Indonesia Unrest

Greenland Interference


Thailand Political Crisis


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