WATER TREATY SUSPENSION ESCALATES KASHMIR CONFLICT
India has announced that it will suspend all involvement in the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan following an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir earlier this summer that left 26 civilians dead. The decision comes after New Delhi attributed the violence to militant groups it claims were supported by Pakistan. The decades-old treaty governs the use and sharing of six rivers between the two countries. India controls three eastern rivers, while Pakistan relies heavily on the western rivers that flow through Indian-controlled territory.
The decision risks severe consequences for Pakistan's agriculture and economy, which are heavily dependent on those water sources for irrigation. Pakistan has labeled the withdrawal as an "act of war," even as India's government has billed it as a strategic move amid heightened domestic tensions. The decision threatens to further destabilize the tenuous status quo over Kashmir, and the bilateral relationship between the two South Asian rivals more broadly. (Al Jazeera, July 9, 2025)
CHINA'S GLOBAL MINING SURGE
Chinese mining companies have significantly ramped up acquisitions overseas in an effort to secure vital raw materials amid heightened global tensions. The resulting surge in deals, especially those over $100 million, is now at its highest level since 2013. The companies are focusing on large-scale acquisitions, often in riskier global regions, and have become more competitive and sophisticated in how they approach negotiations. China's demand for minerals is driven by its significant investment into high-tech sectors like renewable energy. Meanwhile, Western nations are attempting to reduce their reliance on China by establishing alternative supply chains. Chinese firms often are willing to accept less favorable terms in developing nations in order to gain control of key mining assets. Military governments in some African countries are favoring Chinese investors as they increasingly have begun to challenge Western dominance in the mining sector. (Financial Times, July 5, 2025)
KABUL'S DEEPENING WATER CRISIS
Kabul is facing a severe water crisis that experts warn could make it the first capital city to run entirely dry. Rapid urban growth, severe drought, poor infrastructure, and unregulated water extraction have caused groundwater levels to drop significantly. Nearly half of the city's boreholes have dried up, and millions of cubic meters of water beyond what can be naturally replaced are being used. Many residents now rely on costly water deliveries to meet their basic needs. Others walk significant distances to fetch water from public pumps, largely disrupting early childhood development and educational opportunities. Groundwater contamination and industrial waste also exacerbates water insecurity in the country by making much of the accessible water sources unsafe. Despite receiving billions in international aid for water infrastructure, a lack of political will has stalled the construction of key dam and pipeline projects that would help address the scale of the emergency. In lieu of a rapid and coordinated response, Kabul could soon face large-scale forced migration as millions are left without access to clean water. (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, July 6, 2025)
TEHRAN HEATWAVE SPARKS EMERGENCY CLOSURE
Iran has declared a public holiday in Tehran Province due to an ongoing energy crisis and extreme temperatures. Government officials urged citizens to conserve electricity and water during the closure. Temperatures have skyrocketed above seasonal norms, putting strain on power grids and key water infrastructure. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that the water crisis is far more severe than currently acknowledged and requires immediate intervention. He emphasized the need to curb excessive water usage, even as water shutoffs are increasingly impacting local populations despite official denials of any policy of formal rationing. Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi recently cautioned that Iran's reservoirs may run dry within weeks. To address the shortage, Iran is reportedly in negotiations with neighboring countries to secure water imports. (Iran Wire, April 22, 2025; Iran International, July 20, 2025)
CHINA, EU CLASH OVER TRADE
At a recent summit in Beijing, China and the European Union reached limited agreements on climate change and rare earth metals. Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris Climate Accord, a counterpoint to President Trump's withdrawal from the pact earlier this year. China agreed to establish a procedure allowing emergency exports of rare earth metals to European factories but maintained broader export restrictions that will continue to impact EU businesses. The talks also highlighted disputes over advanced technology sales, with security concerns restricting semiconductor exports to China. (New York Times, July 23, 2025)