February - Month in Review
Here's everything you need to know that happened in February, all in one place.
Afghanistan
UN Women released a report on women’s rights in Afghanistan that showcases the Taliban’s continued ‘denial of women’s rights, wellbeing and personhood’.
The Taliban opposes the appointment of a UN Special Envoy ahead of an international forum on February 18-19th.
Armenia
Border disputes between Armenia and Azerbaijan see four soldiers killed. The Armenian Prime Minister suggests that Azerbaijan is planning a full-scale invasion. Even though a peace deal is expected to be reached following the peace talks hosted in Germany, the deal is unlikely to address the key areas of tension between the two countries.
India
The BJP has been accused of conducting unlawful raids and arrests of political opponents and critics, such as former bureaucrat Harsh Mander and ex-Chief Minister of Jharkand State, Hemant Soren.
As the general election approaches, India sees a rapid rise in Hindu nationalism and Islamophobia, with mosques being torn down to be replaced by temples. Various hate crime trackers, such as Hindutva Watch and India Hate Lab, have been blocked ahead of national elections.
Nonetheless, incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to win Lok Sabha (the lower house of Indian Parliament), establishing his third term as Prime Minister.
Indonesia
Prabowo Subianto with his campaign motto – 'for a progressive Indonesia'. / Image (left): Gerakan Indonesia Raya (Gerindra) party (distributed via CC BY-SA 4.0)
Prabowo Subianto, who has been associated with multiple human rights abuses as the former Special Commander in the 1990s under the Suharto dictatorship, emerges victorious in the presidential race, winning 58% of the vote.
Iran
Ahead of the election on March 1st, polls suggest that the voter turnout may be as low as 15%, following a widespread female-led protest against the Islamic Republic’s rule.
Iraq
At least 39 killed and many injured, including civilians, following the US bombings in Iraq and Syria, in retaliation for the three US soldiers killed in Jordan.
Kuwait
The Emir of Kuwait (head of state) dissolves the parliament due to the continuing political deadlock.
Lebanon
Around 50 Lebanese civilians killed in Israeli air strikes in East and South Lebanon. The leader of Hezbollah warns that Israel will ‘pay in blood’.
Myanmar
Thousands attempt to flee the nation after the military junta is set to impose a mandatory conscription law in mid-April, amid rumours of an impending civil war.
North Korea
North Korea sends millions of munitions to support Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Pakistan
Weeks of chaos ensue following the national elections on 8th February. The election, plagued with corruption, saw PTI winning 93 seats, followed by PML-N with 79 and PPP with 54. A coalition government between PML-N and PPP formed, with Shehbaz Sharif nominated as the Prime Minister.
State of Palestine
Israel's attacks on Gaza cause the Palestinian death toll to amount to nearly 30,000, including around 12,500 children, with over 70,000 wounded and around 80% of Gaza’s 2.3 million population displaced.
Palestinian Prime Minister Shtayyeh resigns amidst growing pressure from the escalating Israeli genocide inflicted upon Palestinians.
Yemen
The US and UK carry out 'pre-emptive strikes' on Houthi-controlled regions of Yemen, who have claimed to be responsible for the numerous attacks on US and UK vessels.
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