Despite the year drawing to an end, issues around the world are far from being concluded. From the constitutional crisis of South Korea, to the prospects of Syrian stability, the fate of millions hangs in a balance before the new year.
Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Impeached
When ruling president Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law a short two weeks ago, the shock was palpable. Fortunately, however the shock was short-lived as the state of Korean democracy is seemingly in top shape. Unlike how Mr Yoon pictured it, with a fifth column ready to bring down the South Korean state. The skepticism and outrage surrounding the decision was instantly transformed into legal action. Not only was martial law suspended by a momentarily muzzled parliament, but the president has now been impeached as well.
The impeachment procedure kicked in, when it was first initiated by opposition lawmakers last weekend, however the move required a two-thirds majority vote to count. This meant that deputies from Yoon Suk Yeol’s own party, the right-wing populist PPP, would have to support the motion as well. While initially this did not occur, on Saturday 12 PPP deputies had a change of heart, pushing the impeachment through.The decision was met with a jubilant crowd of concerned citizens, across the country. The impeachment implies that the president, who imposed martial law against “anti-state, North Korean” forces, is immediately suspended from office.
This suspension must now be confirmed by the Constitutional Court within 180 days, where if the impeachment is upheld, new elections must be held within 60 days of the ruling.
While one of the most dramatic political sagas of the year continues, it is worthy of noting that some democracies still appear to be alive and well, despite the heavy blows.
Syria’s Uncertain Fate After The Collapse of Assad’s Regime
The collapse of Assad’s regime was warmly welcomed across the board, after the HTS opposition force captured the government. European leaders have emphasised the need for a multicultural Syria based on democratic principles. This sentiment was echoed by US Secretary of State Blinken, calling for an “inclusive, non-sectarian government” to form.
While the sentiments appear to be triumphant in the country, with thousands celebrating Friday prayer on the streets of Damascus, the shadows of uncertainty lurk in the background.
Firstly, the power vacuum has been taken advantage of by powers like Israel, which launched ‘preemptive strikes’ to eliminate potential security threats and gain territory in the Golan Heights region, spurring more conflict.
Furthermore, currently no regional power is invested in helping the interim government to reconstruct Syria. The isolationist stance taken by the US is perhaps unsurprising given the lame duck government, however it is all the more curious that the Gulf States have been cautious about voicing support, let alone willingness to contribute to reconstruction. Support from rich countries would be crucial to capture financial resources needed to revitalise a country riddled with poverty and dilapidation.
Additionally, a photo showing the new interim prime minister, Mohammad al-Bashir is making the rounds on the internet for all the wrong reasons. While chairing his cabinet meeting, an Islamist fundamentalist flag was displayed next to the liberated Syria flag. The concern is that the incoming government will not be moderate in its religious and ethnic politics, potentially further instigating the decades old tensions.
It is not difficult to see that prospects of peace appear to be shaky in Syria. While the incoming government pledged to work for reconstruction, the honeymoon phase for a liberated Syria could come to a nightmarish end.
Comments