World Politics News   Articles for World Politics Course

South African President Jacob Zuma spoke in an interview with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and indicated in that interview that he had no intention of resigning.  In the interview Zuma said:

“And of course, I asked as to what was the problem. Why must I be persuaded to resign, have I done anything wrong? And of course, the officials couldn’t provide what I have done.”

Fortunately, Zuma has decided to resign.  Zuma’s party, the African National Congress, has ruled South Africa since the end of apartheid and recently elected a new leader, Cyril Ramaphosa, who is now the country’s President.  The calls for Zuma’s resignation were based upon widespread claims of rampant corruption in the government.  They were also based on the horrendous economic situation in South Africa. His decision to resign makes a new path for South Africa.

Cyril Ramaphosa

US airstrikes in Syria have killed an unknown number of Russian mercenaries (some sources are alleging that “hundreds” were killed).  The Russians have used non-government forces (or perhaps government forces not wearing official uniforms or insignia)  in Ukraine as a way of disguising official Russian government participation in Ukraine.  The technique also diminishes the political effect of casualties in foreign areas in the domestic politics of Russia.  Apparently, the US was in contact with “official” Russian military units in the general area in order to avoid a direct conflict.  But the event signals a troubling escalation of the great power conflicts in Syria.  The city of Deir ez-Zor is emerging as a central focus over who controls the oil fields nearby.

Israeli police have recommended the indictment of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over bribery charges.  Concerns over these charges have been swirling around for months and it could take months for the Israeli Attorney General to decide whether to press charges.  The Prime Minister has adamantly denied the charges.  Netanyahu is currently serving his fourth term as Prime Minister but he leads a coalition in the Knesset that only has a majority of one vote.  It is hard to say where these charges will lead, but they clearly weaken Netanyahu over the short term.