In Geopolitics Today: Tuesday, July 12th

Thailand’s Growing UAV Fleet, European LNG Demand Draws Supplies from Other Customers, and other stories.

UN Security Council Extends Humanitarian Corridor into Syria

The UN Security Council has adopted a compromise resolution extending the use of the Bab al-Hawa border crossing for the delivery of humanitarian aid for a period of six months. The 15-member Council unanimously adopted resolution 2585 (2021), extending its previous authorization of the Bab al-Hawa crossing point, on Syria’s border with Turkey, which was first outlined in resolution 2165 (2014). 

The aid corridor authorizations will only apply to Bab al-Hawa, and not to any of the several other crossing points between Turkey and Syria. The vote on the cross-border mechanism is now renewed until January 2023, with an additional six months subject to agreement on a separate resolution. A total of twelve members of the Security Council voted in favour of the resolution proposed by Ireland and Norway, with the remaining three — France, the United Kingdom, the United States — abstaining.

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Cuba Condemns US Involvement in Unrest

Cuba has accused the United States of sowing discontent among Cuban citizens by instigating protests against the government. Statements made by the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken have drawn criticism from Havana, especially Blinken’s choice to send a message to anti-government protests which commended their “determination in the face of oppression.”

In April, Washington and Havana held their highest-level talks, discussing the issue of migration and a path toward easing some US restrictions against Cuba. These talks have not led to significant progress, and the US State Department has announced fresh visa restrictions against 28 Cuban officials. The restrictions apply to high-ranking members of the Cuban Communist Party and officials who work in the country’s state communications and media sectors. Cuban officials blasted the US for measures and policy towards Cuba, and accused Washington of attempting to provoke popular uprising” inside the country.

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Thailand’s Growing UAV Fleet

Thailand first acquired unmanned reconnaissance capability in 2001, and since then the Royal Thai Army has made a number of UAV acquisitions. Today, Thailand’s UAV surveillance fleet is expansive across the Royal Thai Army, Air Force and Navy, and is expected to grow further in the coming years. Domestically produced drones, together with joint projects with China and Israel, make up the bulk of Thailand’s UAV fleet.

By building upon the existing inventory of Israeli-built UAVs and sophisticated domestic technology base, the future of Thailand’s unmanned aerial capabilities in seems bright. Despite operating a large number of UAVs fir for many purposes, an armed drone capability is still lacking in the Thai military inventory. Potential future acquisitions of larger Chinese drone types, and collaborative deals with Turkish drone manufacturers could propel Thailand to the forefront of unmanned capabilities in Southeast Asia.

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European LNG Demand Draws Supplies from Other Customers

Europe’s scramble for liquefied natural gas (LNG) may to cause a breakdown in the stability of energy supplies in numerous countries. With energy prices rising and supply limited due to Europe’s newfound need for natural gas, countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan and Thailand are having difficulties sourcing affordable LNG deliveries.

Pakistan is said to be in a position where it can no longer purchase LNG from the spot market due to the fact all LNG deliveries in the region are already purchased by European countries. The same holds true for Bangladesh, where shortages have led to power cuts and production losses. In Thailand, for example, the situation is dire as the country produces nearly two-thirds of its electricity from gas, one-fifth of which comes from LNG. The LNG shortage and inflationary prices are plunging countries in other regions of the world into serious problems as well, with Africa and Latin America affected as well.

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