What in the World?' Weekly Quiz -- August 12-18, 2019

US China Trade War. Goldman Sachs warned its clients on Sunday that the U.S.-China trade war could produce all of these results EXCEPT:

Increased likelihood of a global recession.

China’s withdrawal from the World Trade Organization.

September 1st American tariffs on final $300B worth of Chinese imports will take effect.

Little likelihood of a trade deal before the 2020 election.

Kashmir. The two nuclear armed states considered most likely to go to war with one another – India and Pakistan -- have a new crisis to navigate as India’s government under prime minister Narendra Modi announced and parliament approved THIS action.

Overturning the constitutional provision on autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir.

Expansion of the Indian Navy to include four new ballistic missile submarines.

Restriction on family reunification visas in regions bordering Pakistan.

Economic warfare through a new traffic regime intended to limit Pakistani imports.

Hong Kong Protests. As violent protests and counter attacks entering the second month in Hong Kong intensified Beijing condemned the “extremely rampant and deranged” protests and warned that a “blow from the sword of law is waiting for them in the future.” China took control of Hong Kong in 1997 from the United Kingdom under an arrangement know as THIS until 2047.

Rugged individualism

One country, two systems.

On a road to brotherly unity

Two peoples under a common flag

Nuclear Future. On the anniversary of the Hiroshima atomic bomb attack last week former Senator Sam Nunn and former Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz warned of a new strategic instability between the United States and Russia citing the “deliberate and accelerating breakdown of the arms control architecture” including the recent INF Treaty breakdown. Nunn and Moniz also warned about an uncertain future for THIS arms control treaty up for renewal in 2021.

Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) of 2015

Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons of 2005

Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT IV) of 2006

The New START Treaty of 2011

ISIS Redux. The Inspector General for U.S. Operation Inherent Resolve (combatting ISIS in Iraq and Syria) issued a report last week which noted that a consequence of the partial withdrawal of U.S. Forces from Syria was THIS:

Appropriate to battlefield conditions given the demise of the ISIS Caliphate.

Disruptive to support for partner forces response to ISIS resurgent cells.

Well received by allies in the region and fostered Turkish-Kurdish relations.

Necessary to realign force deployment in the Persian Gulf.

US-UK on Iran. U.S. National Security Advisor was in London reportedly to urge the United Kingdom to do THIS to add pressure on Iran.

Coordinate with U.S. Special forces to rescue a UK-flagged oil tanker seized by Iran last month.

As a signatory to the JCPOA follow America’s lead in withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal.

Block European actions to work around U.S. Sanctions on Iran through creation of a new currency exchange regime.

Join U.S. Military forces in the Persian Gulf in establishing a merchant vessel convoy and protection regime.

DPRK Provocations. North Korea quoted U.S. President Donald Trump in explaining the continuation of THIS provocative activity. A Foreign Ministry official said, “Even the US president made a remark which in effect recognizes the self-defensive rights of a sovereign state.”

Reinforcement of tank and artillery units near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

Submarine deployments along the coast of South Korea in the Sea of Japan.

Fighter jet intercepts of U.S. Reconnaissance in international airspace over the East China Sea.

A series of test firings of a new type of short-range ballistic missile.

American Sanctions. President Trump increased pressure on THIS country by announcing last week a complete economic embargo, issuing an executive order banning Americans from doing business with THIS government.

Venezuela

Cuba

North Korea

Iran

Moscow Crackdown. The largest demonstrations in years filled the streets of Moscow with about 50,000 protestors. The ongoing demonstrations are demanding THIS as well as release of protestors previously arrested.

Suspension of Moscow’s Mayor for plotting illegal detention of protestors.

End of roundup of young men evading Army conscription.

End the ban on opposition candidates in Moscow elections.

Eliminate new charges for previously free-tuition universities.

Brexit Jitters. The uncertainty of the UK leaving the European Union on October 31^stwithout a deal is causing pre-departure issues for London. THIS development this week was the latest troublesome issue.

UK manufacturers released a forecast suggesting a downtown in exports to EU markets of about 45 billion GB Pounds in the first sixth months of a no-deal Brexit.

The UK economy shrank 0.2% for second quarter 2019, the first contraction in seven years.

The British Provisions Association warned food stocks may fall short of demand as European supplies would be unstable after October 31st.

Representatives of the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland contingency government met to discuss post-Brexit remedies to a UK hard border.

What in the World?" Weekly Quiz -- August 12-18, 2019

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