Monday Briefing | October 30

Barzani speaks to reporters during a press conference in Erbil, Iraq, in this photo taken just before the referendum. | Photo courtesy Khalid Mohammed/Associated Press

Stories to Follow

Kurdish Independence: Iraqi Kurdish president, Massoud Barzani, has said he intends to step down from his presidency by November 1^st, after which his powers will be disseminated among other senior officials. Iraqi Kurdistan has been fractured since the Kurdish referendum poll, with military forces from Baghdad taking control of contested land areas. The majority of MPs supported Barzani’s decision to step down. It remains to be seen how this will affect the Kurdish relationship with Iraqi central government.

Thailand’s Uncertainty: Thursday, the Thai people paid their last respects to King Bhumibol Adulyadej, cremating his body on the royal pyre and enshrining his ashes in the Great Palace. Midnight Sunday marks the end of a year-long mourning period for Thai people. Political dissent has been brewing in the last decade of the king’s rule, but many people were afraid to speak out in fear of arrest under lese majeste. This final recognition marks a shift in the palace and highlights the final step of King Vajiralongkorn coming to power.

This Week in JPI

Insights | Information: The Best Weapon against Radicalization
Maria Rendo discusses the ways ISIS uses technology for recruitment, and how that same technology can be used to combat extremism.

Happening This Week

Black Voices on Immigration | October 30, 6-8 PM, Furman Hall Lounge 200, 245 Sullivan Street
Join the conversation about immigration and engage with the intersectionality of immigrant justice, racial justice, and criminal justice reform at NYU Law. Speakers will include Amaha Kassa from African Communities Together, Ninaj Raoul from Haitian Women for Haitian Refugees, Albert Saint Jean from Black Alliance for Just Immigration and Tsion Fekadu Gurmu ’15 from African Services Committee. RSVP here!

Roundtable: Is Russia a Threat to the Western Balkans? | November 1, 6 PM, 1219 International Affairs Building, 420 W 118th St
Is Russia threatening to disrupt more than two decades’ of EU and U.S. efforts to promote stability in post-communist Southeast Europe? This roundtable, hosted by Columbia University, will explore more deeply the ascendancy of Russia in the Western Balkans.

China and International Law: Human Rights, Sovereignty, and Maritime Disputes | November 6, 9 AM – 7 PM, Greenberg Lounge Vanderbilt Hall, 40 Washington Square South
Join the U.S.-Asia Law Institute for its 23rd Annual Dialogue on the Rule of Law in East Asia. This year’s theme focuses on China’s approach to international law during the Xi Jinping era. RSVP here!

In Your Free Time

If you just happen to be one of those people who stay in on Halloween, check out these spectacularly spooky suggestions for a Halloween themed night of Netflix and Thrill!