President Andrés Manuel López Obrador announces he will donate a quarter of his US$4,806 monthly salary to help health services fight the virus. He also encouraged other public officials to follow his move. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Asia COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand The largest street demonstration in Thailand since the 2014 Thai coup d'état erupts at the Democracy Monument in Bangkok with around 2,500 protesters demanding the government's resignation, parliament's dissolution, and the rewriting of the constitution, defying a coronavirus ban on gatherings (Reuters) COVID-19 pandemic in Israel Israelis protest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his handling of COVID-19 and corruption. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand The largest street demonstration in Thailand since the 2014 Thai coup d'état erupts at the Democracy Monument in Bangkok with around 2,500 protesters demanding the government's resignation, parliament's dissolution, and the rewriting of the constitution, defying a coronavirus ban on gatherings (Reuters)
Protests over responses to the COVID-19 pandemic COVID-19 pandemic in Asia COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand The largest street demonstration in Thailand since the 2014 Thai coup d'état erupts at the Democracy Monument in Bangkok with around 2,500 protesters demanding the government's resignation, parliament's dissolution, and the rewriting of the constitution, defying a coronavirus ban on gatherings (Reuters) COVID-19 pandemic in Israel Israelis protest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his handling of COVID-19 and corruption. (Reuters)
The largest street demonstration in Thailand since the 2014 Thai coup d'état erupts at the Democracy Monument in Bangkok with around 2,500 protesters demanding the government's resignation, parliament's dissolution, and the rewriting of the constitution, defying a coronavirus ban on gatherings (Reuters)
2020 Major League Baseball season, 2020 Toronto Blue Jays season, COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto The Government of Canada rejects an exemption for the Toronto Blue Jays to play their home games in Rogers Centre in Toronto. (ESPN)
COVID-19 pandemic in Asia COVID-19 pandemic in Iran President Hassan Rouhani says that the health ministry estimated as many as 25 million Iranians have been infected by the virus and that 30 to 35 million will be infected in the coming months as he urges the public to take the virus seriously. (AP) COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia Indonesia becomes the country with most cases in Southeast Asia, recording 84,882 infections, while authorities say that the actual number could be much higher due to undetected cases. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison delays parliament due to the spread of COVID-19. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Iran President Hassan Rouhani says that the health ministry estimated as many as 25 million Iranians have been infected by the virus and that 30 to 35 million will be infected in the coming months as he urges the public to take the virus seriously. (AP)
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports 2020 Major League Baseball season, 2020 Toronto Blue Jays season, COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto The Government of Canada rejects an exemption for the Toronto Blue Jays to play their home games in Rogers Centre in Toronto. (ESPN)
President Hassan Rouhani says that the health ministry estimated as many as 25 million Iranians have been infected by the virus and that 30 to 35 million will be infected in the coming months as he urges the public to take the virus seriously. (AP)
Prime Minister Scott Morrison delays parliament due to the spread of COVID-19. (Reuters)
The government announces legal action against activists and journalists who "insulted" the military. They had accused the military of various killings during last year's protests, which the army denies. (Reuters)
The Government of Canada rejects an exemption for the Toronto Blue Jays to play their home games in Rogers Centre in Toronto. (ESPN)
COVID-19 pandemic in Israel Israelis protest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his handling of COVID-19 and corruption. (Reuters)
Israelis protest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his handling of COVID-19 and corruption. (Reuters)
2020 Syrian parliamentary election Syrians head to the polls to elect 250 seats of parliament. It is expected that President Bashar al-Assad and his party will win most seats. It is also the first time the elections are being held in areas formerly controlled by anti-Assad forces. (DW)
Syrians head to the polls to elect 250 seats of parliament. It is expected that President Bashar al-Assad and his party will win most seats. It is also the first time the elections are being held in areas formerly controlled by anti-Assad forces. (DW)
Israel–European Union relations The Israeli government approves the subsea EastMed pipeline which will supply Europe with natural gas. The construction of the pipeline is expected to be completed by 2025, and will provide an estimated 10 billion cubic meters of gas per year. (Reuters)
The Israeli government approves the subsea EastMed pipeline which will supply Europe with natural gas. The construction of the pipeline is expected to be completed by 2025, and will provide an estimated 10 billion cubic meters of gas per year. (Reuters)
Second Libyan Civil War, Egypt–Libya relations In a closed-door session, the Parliament of Egypt authorizes the military to intervene in neighbouring Libya. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has said Sirte is a "red-line", and that any attack on the strategic Libyan city would prompt Egyptian military action. (ABC News)
In a closed-door session, the Parliament of Egypt authorizes the military to intervene in neighbouring Libya. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has said Sirte is a "red-line", and that any attack on the strategic Libyan city would prompt Egyptian military action. (ABC News)
2020 United States House of Representatives elections in Georgia Democratic Party of Georgia Chair and State Senator Nikema Williams is selected by the party's Executive Committee to replace the name of the late incumbent John Lewis on the ballot for Georgia's 5th congressional district for the November 3 general election. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Democratic Party of Georgia Chair and State Senator Nikema Williams is selected by the party's Executive Committee to replace the name of the late incumbent John Lewis on the ballot for Georgia's 5th congressional district for the November 3 general election. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Citizenship Minister Onyx Lorenzoni and Education Minister Milton Ribeiro test positive for COVID-19. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil Citizenship Minister Onyx Lorenzoni and Education Minister Milton Ribeiro test positive for COVID-19. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil Citizenship Minister Onyx Lorenzoni and Education Minister Milton Ribeiro test positive for COVID-19. (Reuters)
King Salman of Saudi Arabia, 84, is admitted to a hospital due to an inflammation of the gall bladder. The hospitalization prompts Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi to cancel his scheduled visit to Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)
2020 Bulgarian protests The government survives a motion of no confidence by 124 votes against, 102 votes in favour, amidst ongoing large-scale anti-government protests. (Reuters)
Greece–Turkey relations Greece accuses Turkey of encroaching on its territorial waters after a NAVTEX was issued by the Turkish Naval Forces for "seismic surveys" off Greek islands in the Mediterranean Sea between Cyprus and Crete from July 21 to August 2. (Reuters) The government places the Hellenic Armed Forces on high alert after Turkish Air Force fighter jets entered Greek airspace over Strongyli Megistis. (Ekathimerini)
Iran–Iraq relations Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi meets Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President of Iran Hassan Rouhani where he says that "Iraq is a country that won’t allow any aggression or challenge to Iran from its territory", in the first trip abroad by Kadhimi. (Reuters)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi meets Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President of Iran Hassan Rouhani where he says that "Iraq is a country that won’t allow any aggression or challenge to Iran from its territory", in the first trip abroad by Kadhimi. (Reuters)
Islam in Germany The Landtag of Baden-Württemberg announces a full ban on face coverings in schools, including burqas and niqabs worn by Muslims. Previously, the ban only applied to teachers in Baden-Württemberg. Minister-President Winfried Kretschmann says that full-face veiling "does not belong in a free society". (DW)
The government places the Hellenic Armed Forces on high alert after Turkish Air Force fighter jets entered Greek airspace over Strongyli Megistis. (Ekathimerini)
The government survives a motion of no confidence by 124 votes against, 102 votes in favour, amidst ongoing large-scale anti-government protests. (Reuters)
The Landtag of Baden-Württemberg announces a full ban on face coverings in schools, including burqas and niqabs worn by Muslims. Previously, the ban only applied to teachers in Baden-Württemberg. Minister-President Winfried Kretschmann says that full-face veiling "does not belong in a free society". (DW)
About 2,000 Israelis protest outside the residence of Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over his handling of the COVID-19 crisis and alleged corruption. (The Guardian)
COVID-19 pandemic in Israel, Corruption in Israel About 2,000 Israelis protest outside the residence of Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over his handling of the COVID-19 crisis and alleged corruption. (The Guardian)
Protests over responses to the COVID-19 pandemic COVID-19 pandemic in Israel, Corruption in Israel About 2,000 Israelis protest outside the residence of Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over his handling of the COVID-19 crisis and alleged corruption. (The Guardian)
2020 Bolivian general election The general election is postponed until October 18 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, which has infected more than 64,000 people, and killed more than 2,300. This is the second time the Interim Government has delayed the elections since the 2019 Bolivian political crisis late last year that forced the resignation of former president Evo Morales. (Reuters)
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on politics COVID-19 pandemic in Florida President Donald Trump announces that the 2020 Republican National Convention in Jacksonville will be cancelled. (NPR) 2020 Bolivian general election The general election is postponed until October 18 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, which has infected more than 64,000 people, and killed more than 2,300. This is the second time the Interim Government has delayed the elections since the 2019 Bolivian political crisis late last year that forced the resignation of former president Evo Morales. (Reuters)
The general election is postponed until October 18 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, which has infected more than 64,000 people, and killed more than 2,300. This is the second time the Interim Government has delayed the elections since the 2019 Bolivian political crisis late last year that forced the resignation of former president Evo Morales. (Reuters)
Mali War Operation Barkhane The office of French President Emmanuel Macron says that a French soldier was killed during operations against militants in Mali. According to the press release, the soldier died when his armored vehicle was hit by an IED. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Florida President Donald Trump announces that the 2020 Republican National Convention in Jacksonville will be cancelled. (NPR)
2020 Belarusian presidential election Prominent opposition leader Valery Tsepkalo and his two sons flee to Russia after being barred from running in the election and alleged threats of prosecution by the prosecutor's office, which declined to comment on Tsepkalo's escape. (Reuters)
2020 Thai protests In continuing protests across the country, young Thai activists burn images of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his deputy, Prawit Wongsuwan, outside the government house in growing calls for their resignations. (Reuters)
In continuing protests across the country, young Thai activists burn images of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his deputy, Prawit Wongsuwan, outside the government house in growing calls for their resignations. (Reuters)
Muslims hold their first Friday prayers in the historic Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey, for the first time since the government annulled the 1934 decision to establish it as a museum, and reclassified the building as a mosque. (Hurriyet Daily News)
Prominent opposition leader Valery Tsepkalo and his two sons flee to Russia after being barred from running in the election and alleged threats of prosecution by the prosecutor's office, which declined to comment on Tsepkalo's escape. (Reuters)
2020 Central African Republic general election Deposed president François Bozizé announces his bid for the presidency, despite being the subject of sanctions by the United Nations and an arrest warrant, issued by the current government, for alleged crimes against humanity. The Central African Republic has been in a civil war between Muslims and Christians since he was deposed in 2013. It is not known whether the charges against him will play a role in his candidacy. (Reuters)
Deposed president François Bozizé announces his bid for the presidency, despite being the subject of sanctions by the United Nations and an arrest warrant, issued by the current government, for alleged crimes against humanity. The Central African Republic has been in a civil war between Muslims and Christians since he was deposed in 2013. It is not known whether the charges against him will play a role in his candidacy. (Reuters)
The Parliament of Somalia conducts a no-confidence vote of 170–8 to oust Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire. (Reuters)
War in Donbass The government of Ukraine concludes a ceasefire deal with rebel forces, which will begin at midnight. The conflict in Eastern Ukraine has been going on since 2014, and has killed over 14,000 people. (AP)
Afghan peace process The Taliban accuse the government of re-capturing freed Taliban prisoners, a claim Kabul denies as "incorrect". A Taliban spokesman tells the government to "bear responsibility for the consequences", as fears grow that some of the prisoners are returning to the battlefield. As part of the peace process, the government has freed around 5,000 prisoners. (CNA)
COVID-19 pandemic in Asia COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam Da Nang becomes Vietnam's first province or centrally governed city to reinstate social distancing measures after two new local infection COVID-19 cases with unknown source of transmission. (Reuters) COVID-19 pandemic in North Korea North Korea declares a state of emergency after its first case of COVID-19 is confirmed. The government claims the patient defected to South Korea then returned to North Korea. (The Daily Beast)
COVID-19 pandemic in North Korea North Korea declares a state of emergency after its first case of COVID-19 is confirmed. The government claims the patient defected to South Korea then returned to North Korea. (The Daily Beast)
North Korea declares a state of emergency after its first case of COVID-19 is confirmed. The government claims the patient defected to South Korea then returned to North Korea. (The Daily Beast)
The government of Ukraine concludes a ceasefire deal with rebel forces, which will begin at midnight. The conflict in Eastern Ukraine has been going on since 2014, and has killed over 14,000 people. (AP)
The Taliban accuse the government of re-capturing freed Taliban prisoners, a claim Kabul denies as "incorrect". A Taliban spokesman tells the government to "bear responsibility for the consequences", as fears grow that some of the prisoners are returning to the battlefield. As part of the peace process, the government has freed around 5,000 prisoners. (CNA)
China–Philippines relations Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte says he has no choice but to treat the disputes in the South China Sea diplomatically because the alternative is to "go to war with China", defending a government decision not to press a ruling that went in favor of the Philippines. Separately, Duterte claimed China may offer vaccines “on credit” if not as a donation and grants package. (Reuters) (Asia Times)
Mali War ECOWAS demands the release of Malian opposition leader Soumaila Cissé, who was kidnapped in March just days before a disputed election, asks 31 elected MPs whose results were disputed to resign, and requests an urgent inquiry into protesters' deaths on 10–12 July. President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta is given ten days to respond to the bloc's proposals or face sanctions. (BBC News)
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte says he has no choice but to treat the disputes in the South China Sea diplomatically because the alternative is to "go to war with China", defending a government decision not to press a ruling that went in favor of the Philippines. Separately, Duterte claimed China may offer vaccines “on credit” if not as a donation and grants package. (Reuters) (Asia Times)
2020 Singaporean general election Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his new Cabinet of Singapore is sworn-in at dual locations at the Istana and the Parliament House due to the ongoing COVID-19 social distancing restrictions. (Channel News Asia)
ECOWAS demands the release of Malian opposition leader Soumaila Cissé, who was kidnapped in March just days before a disputed election, asks 31 elected MPs whose results were disputed to resign, and requests an urgent inquiry into protesters' deaths on 10–12 July. President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta is given ten days to respond to the bloc's proposals or face sanctions. (BBC News)
Libyan Civil War (2014–present) The United Nations Support Mission in Libya announces it will begin an audit of the central banks of the internationally-recognized Government of National Accord and the rival House of Representatives, saying it is a “critical step” in eventually uniting both factions. (Reuters)
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his new Cabinet of Singapore is sworn-in at dual locations at the Istana and the Parliament House due to the ongoing COVID-19 social distancing restrictions. (Channel News Asia)
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya announces it will begin an audit of the central banks of the internationally-recognized Government of National Accord and the rival House of Representatives, saying it is a “critical step” in eventually uniting both factions. (Reuters)
2019–2021 Iraqi protests Two protesters in Baghdad are killed by Iraqi security forces when they are hit by teargas canisters in the head and on the neck; the forces also opened fire at demonstrators in Tahrir Square. The protesters were protesting power cuts in the midst of a heatwave. It was the first major spate of violence at the Square in months. Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi condemns the killings and orders an investigation. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape announces a two-week lockdown of the capital amid a spike of infections in the city. Schools are also ordered to close. (RNZ)
French Environment Minister Barbara Pompili announces that France will ban the use of terrace heaters in restaurants and cafes by the end of this winter to cut down on carbon emissions. (Reuters)
Prime Minister James Marape announces a two-week lockdown of the capital amid a spike of infections in the city. Schools are also ordered to close. (RNZ)
Two protesters in Baghdad are killed by Iraqi security forces when they are hit by teargas canisters in the head and on the neck; the forces also opened fire at demonstrators in Tahrir Square. The protesters were protesting power cuts in the midst of a heatwave. It was the first major spate of violence at the Square in months. Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi condemns the killings and orders an investigation. (Reuters)
Chilean President Sebastián Piñera sacks six ministers in his cabinet, including Interior Minister Gonzalo Blumel, as a response to the current political crisis. Last week, a constitutional reform to change the pension system and increase support for COVID-19-affected families was approved with cross-party support despite the government's rejection. (Reuters)
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko tests positive for COVID-19. (DW)
COVID-19 pandemic in Belarus Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko tests positive for COVID-19. (DW)
