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On September 7, CIA Director William Burns and MI6 Chief Richard Moore attended the Financial Times Weekend Festival in London, where they warned that the international order is facing the greatest threat since the Cold War. This threat encompasses Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the rise of China, and the deteriorating situation in the Middle East. They praised Ukraine's counteroffensive in Russia's Kursk region earlier in August and emphasized the critical importance of the US-UK alliance in addressing these challenges.

During their joint interview with the Financial Times on September 7, Burns and Moore highlighted that despite enduring two world wars, the Cold War, and joint efforts against international terrorism, the special relationship between the US and the UK has remained a close and indispensable alliance. They celebrated the 75th anniversary of their partnership two years ago. With the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war and unprecedented global threats since the Cold War, the importance of their intelligence partnership is more pronounced, and they will continue to strengthen cooperation, including intelligence sharing.

Burns and Moore mentioned that the CIA and MI6 are working together to address Russia's aggression in Ukraine, reaffirming their unwavering support for Kyiv. They noted that China's rise is now a major geopolitical threat of the 21st century, presenting significant challenges in the intelligence domain. To counter this, they are reorganizing their agencies to enhance their response to Beijing's formidable threats.

Burns stated that the CIA's budget for China-related activities has tripled over the past three years, accounting for 20% of their budget. Both leaders also committed to intensifying efforts to combat Russian intelligence operations in Europe and to thwart Russian attempts to use technology to spread misinformation and undermine alliances.

They further indicated that Ukraine has a chance to turn the tide of the war and urged Western nations to continue their support. Burns also discussed the Middle East situation, emphasizing that the US is actively working to broker a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, with only 10% of the terms remaining to be agreed upon. This final part is the most challenging, requiring both sides to make difficult choices and necessary compromises to end the Gaza conflict.

The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) stated on the 6th that global warming continues to intensify, with global temperatures for June to August 2024 reaching new highs. C3S noted that due to a series of record-breaking temperatures, 2024 could become the hottest year on record.

C3S Deputy Director Burgess remarked that 2024 has seen the hottest northern hemisphere summer on record. In August, the global average temperature was 16.8°C, which is 1.5°C higher than the average for the same month before industrialization. Since 2009, summer temperatures in the northern hemisphere have repeatedly set new records, and sea ice extent continues to shrink. C3S warns that unless countries reduce human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, extreme weather will only become more severe.

Scientists generally agree that the massive emission of greenhouse gases is the primary cause of global warming. This warming has led to an increased likelihood and intensity of extreme climate disasters such as droughts, fires, and floods around the world.

After France has been mired in a political deadlock for nearly two months, President Emmanuel Macron officially appointed veteran politician Michel Barnier as the new Prime Minister on September 5, ending the caretaker government's tenure.

At 73 years old, Barnier, born in January 1951 in La Tronche, becomes the oldest Prime Minister in French history. Barnier was elected to the National Assembly at the age of 27 and has held various positions including Member of Parliament, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Agriculture, Member of the European Parliament, and EU Commissioner. From 2016 to 2021, he negotiated Brexit with the United Kingdom and is known as a cautious conservative.

In his address, Barnier stated that he would listen to all political factions upon taking office and prioritize healthcare, employment, security, and reducing national debt. He vowed to address the domestic challenges, pain, anger, sense of abandonment, and injustice facing the country.

The Élysée Palace issued a statement saying that Macron appointed Barnier to form a government that serves the nation and promotes unity to tackle the current political divisions in France. Additionally, Barnier will face the task of passing difficult legislation such as the 2025 budget and dealing with the ongoing threat of being overthrown.

King Tuheitia of the Maori people in New Zealand passed away on August 30 after undergoing heart surgery. On September 5, the Chiefs' Council appointed his 27-year-old daughter, Nga Wai hono i te po Paki, as his successor. She will be the eighth Maori King and the second Queen. During the ceremony held on New Zealand’s North Island, Nga Wai donned a garland made of leaves, a cloak, and a whale bone necklace, and was surrounded by a group of bare-chested, tattooed men carrying ceremonial weapons as she ascended to the throne.

Traditionally, the Maori monarchy is succeeded by the eldest male, and Nga Wai has two older brothers, one of whom has been performing many ceremonial duties on behalf of Tuheitia and was considered a likely successor. This decision undeniably breaks with tradition. Following the six-day mourning period, King Tuheitia’s coffin was transported along the Waikato River by a fleet of four canoes to its final resting place at the sacred Mount Taupiri.

Cultural advisor Karaitiana Taiuru noted that there is hope that the younger leader will bring the Maori people closer to addressing modern issues such as artificial intelligence (AI), genetic modification, and global warming, as well as confronting the new world’s challenges and threats to New Zealand’s indigenous population.

The Maori make up about 17% of New Zealand's population, approximately 900,000 people. They face greater challenges compared to other New Zealanders, including higher rates of unemployment, poverty, chronic diseases, and suicide, leading to an average life expectancy that is about seven years shorter than that of other New Zealanders.

On September 3, the U.S. Department of Justice publicly released a February indictment related to the Hamas attacks and massacres in northern Israel from early October of the previous year. The indictment accuses six senior Hamas members, including leader Ismail Haniyeh, of seven charges, including providing material support to foreign terrorist organizations leading to death, conspiring to murder U.S. citizens, and conspiring to fund terrorism. Three of the accused are now deceased, which has reduced the document's confidentiality, leading to its release. The indictment also alleges that Iran and Hezbollah provided financial and military assistance for these attacks.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland stated, "This is just part of our actions against Hamas... it will not be our last action." The indictment is expected to have symbolic rather than practical significance and is not anticipated to impact ceasefire negotiations or hostage releases between Israel and Hamas. More actions against Hamas are anticipated. Hamas has been designated a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. since 1997 and is linked to numerous attacks against Israel.

Additionally, on May 20, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. While the U.S., UK, and Germany do not support these actions, France, Belgium, and Slovenia do, though the impact of these warrants is largely symbolic.

White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby also noted that Hamas recently executed six hostages, including American-Israeli Hersh Goldberg-Polin, increasing the urgency for ongoing ceasefire negotiations led by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar. For the people of Gaza, achieving a ceasefire is deemed more crucial than the symbolic nature of these indictments.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Mongolia for a visit and is scheduled to meet with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh. This marks Putin's first visit to an ICC member state since the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for him last year. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has expressed hope that Mongolia will recognize Putin as a war criminal.

In March 2023, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Putin on charges of war crimes committed in Ukraine, specifically accusing him of being personally responsible for the abduction of Ukrainian children.

Despite this international legal document, the Mongolian government seems to have disregarded it, formally hosting Putin and giving him a warm welcome during the reception ceremony. Mongolian officials stated that the visit would help strengthen bilateral cooperation and expand opportunities in the economic, political, and cultural sectors.

Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh personally greeted Putin upon his arrival and engaged in extensive discussions with him. The two leaders emphasized the importance of their bilateral relationship and explored potential cooperation in areas such as energy, trade, and infrastructure development. The Mongolian side highlighted that this visit represents a valuable opportunity to enhance collaboration and advance development in various fields.

This move has sparked concerns and criticism from the international community. Numerous international human rights organizations and legal experts have condemned the Mongolian government's decision, arguing that it not only challenges the authority of the ICC but could also negatively impact Mongolia's international reputation. There are fears that Mongolia's actions might affect its diplomatic relations with other countries, particularly those that support international law and human rights.

The Mongolian government has responded by stating that its stance is based on the historical friendly relations with Russia and the desire to resolve current international disputes through constructive dialogue. A government spokesperson emphasized that Mongolia will continue to adhere to international law and is committed to promoting regional peace and stability.

In recent years in Japan, there has been an increase in the number of women applying for "posthumous divorce," which is a procedure to terminate a marriage after a spouse's death. Many people are growing weary of traditional familial ties and do not wish to continue dealing with their deceased spouse's family, opting instead to sever those connections.

Japanese law stipulates that although a marriage ends with the death of a spouse, the legal in-law relationship continues. For those seeking a complete break from past constraints and a fresh start, "posthumous divorce" has become a viable solution. This process allows the surviving spouse to sever ties with the deceased spouse's family by submitting a "Termination of Kinship Relationship Notification". This can be done without the consent of the deceased's family and without informing them. Importantly, "posthumous divorce" only affects the in-law relationship and does not impact the inheritance of the deceased’s assets or the survivor’s pension rights.

According to the Ministry of Justice’s registry statistics, the number of "posthumous divorce" applications has increased from about 2,213 cases a decade ago to over 3,000 cases in 2022. Yuka Sonoda, a lawyer specializing in posthumous divorce, believes this trend reflects a weakening of traditional family values in Japanese society. Although the legal separation is clear, emotional ties can be difficult to sever. Moreover, as grandparents and grandchildren are considered "blood relatives," a posthumous divorce does not sever these familial bonds, potentially leading to inheritance disputes in the future. Therefore, Sonoda advises careful consideration when opting for a posthumous divorce.

Dutch Ambassador to the five Central Asian countries, Nicolaas Jacob Schermers, becomes the first to ring the Peace Bell in Kazakhstan, and the 555th bell-ringer.

A cold front accompanied by severe winds and rain has struck Tasmania, Australia, causing power outages for 30,000 households. Authorities have issued flood warnings, with homes and roads at risk of being submerged.

Tasmania, an island state approximately 445 kilometers from Melbourne in Victoria, Australia, is accessible by a one-hour flight or a 10-hour ferry ride. The island has a population of around 570,000, with about 40% of the land designated as wilderness or protected areas.

According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, the cold front is gradually moving away from Tasmania, but subsequent thunderstorms still pose a risk of destructive winds. Tasnetworks, the state's power company, confirmed on Facebook that about 30,000 households were without power on September 1.

Meteorologists have warned that another strong cold front will cross Tasmania from the evening of September 1 to the morning of September 2, potentially affecting the western and northern coasts. Emergency services have also issued flood warnings, which could leave Tasmania isolated for several days.

Mick Lowe, Director of the Tasmania State Emergency Service, stated in a release that homes may be submerged and roads impassable. He further noted that 330 requests for assistance had been received within 24 hours of the incident.

On the 30th, Ukrainian officials announced that starting January 1, 2025, they will halt the transit of Russian oil and gas through Ukraine once the current agreement expires.

In an interview, Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to the Ukrainian president, revealed that the transit contract between Gazprom and Naftogaz is set to end in late 2024. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has decided not to extend the agreement, meaning that the Druzhba Pipeline, which runs through Ukraine, will cease operations.

The Druzhba Pipeline, also known as the Friendship Pipeline, is the longest oil pipeline in the world and serves as a major route for transporting Russian crude oil to Central and Eastern Europe. According to the BBC, currently, a quarter of the EU's natural gas consumption comes from Russia, with approximately 80% of this gas being transported via the Druzhba Pipeline before reaching EU countries. Ukraine and Russia signed a five-year agreement at the end of 2019 to transport gas through Ukraine to Europe. Despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, gas and oil continued to flow through this pipeline until the agreement's expiration at the end of 2024.

Foreign media analysis suggests that Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Hungary will be most affected by the pipeline's closure, while other EU countries will experience less impact. Hungary, in particular, heavily relies on this pipeline. Due to Hungary and Slovakia's passive stance on aiding Ukraine, the EU has faced delays in providing over a billion euros in military aid to Ukraine, largely due to Hungary's opposition. Additionally, Slovakia and Hungary have opposed Ukraine's use of Western weapons to attack Russian territory. Some media speculate that Ukraine's recent offensive in the Kursk region and its capture of the Sudzha transit point—located within Russia and the last gas relay station in the Druzhba Pipeline—along with threats to shut down the pipeline, aim to enhance Ukraine's leverage in negotiations with the EU to secure more military assistance.