Republicans hasten confirmation of Miran's appointment to the Federal Reserve
In the realm of international affairs, September 2023 has been a month marked by significant developments across the globe.
In the United States, the Senate is expediting the confirmation process for Stephen Miran, President Donald Trump's economic advisor, for a seat on the Federal Reserve board. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has suggested that there's a good chance that Miran will be seated before the September meeting, hinting at the White House's keen interest in a quick confirmation. However, the Senate's usual deliberate pace may pose a challenge in meeting this timeline.
Meanwhile, much could hinge on how the Supreme Court treats the Fed in a related ruling, expected as soon as this fall, on the president's ability to fire officials at some independent agencies. The Fed has stated it plans to comply with whatever the courts decide regarding Cook's seat.
The confirmation process for Miran is expected to be completed before the next Fed meetings on Sept. 16. Senators have been deflecting questions about Trump's attempt to remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook, citing her pending lawsuit or questioning why Cook hasn't more adamantly defended her innocence. The GOP's plans for Cook's seat are not clear.
Elsewhere, political turmoil continues in Thailand, as the constitutional court sacked the country's prime minister, throwing the country into renewed political turmoil.
In other global news, Brazil's Supreme Court is hearing closing arguments in the trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is accused of orchestrating a coup to stay in power. If convicted, Bolsonaro could face decades in prison, potentially further straining ties with Washington, which imposed a 50% tariff rate on Brazil over what US President Donald Trump has labelled a Bolsonaro "witch hunt."
In Sudan, a landslide killed at least 1,000 people, intensifying hardship in a country besieged by years of civil war. Famine was declared in Sudan last year, with more than 25 million people facing extreme hunger. Humanitarian agencies have been prevented by the belligerents from providing aid in Sudan.
In Europe, several governments are considering reviving peat bogs, which cover just 3% of the planet but hold a third of its carbon. This move could potentially help combat climate change by reducing carbon emissions.
In the realm of science, researchers have made strides in the field of artificial intelligence, using AI to spot hidden signs of consciousness in comatose patients long before they were noticed by doctors. Another study found benefit for patients with impaired heart function when using beta blockers. However, two major studies disagreed over the impacts of beta blockers for heart attack patients.
In technology, Chinese scientists turned succulents into glow-in-the-dark, rechargeable lights that shine in a variety of colors. This innovation could pave the way for sustainable, plant-based lighting solutions.
In the world of politics, China welcomed more than a dozen world leaders, including Russia's Vladimir Putin and India's Narendra Modi, for a summit aimed at countering a Western-led world order. Yet even as Chinese leader Xi Jinping hosts allies such as Putin, the events illustrate the limits of Beijing's power: The SCO, though expansive, has had limited real-world influence because many of its members have their own internal disputes, and one notable summit attendee, India's prime minister, is not sticking around for the parade.
In the Middle East, Israel is reportedly considering annexing parts of the occupied West Bank in response to several Western countries' plans to recognize a Palestinian state. Israel's actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of a genocide, according to the world's largest association of genocide scholars. Israel has criticized the group's resolution, stating it was "entirely based on Hamas' campaign of lies."
In the realm of international law, the justices on the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit said that the American leader overstepped his authority by imposing sweeping global tariffs using emergency powers legislation. This ruling represents a major setback for Trump's economic agenda.
In the world of sports, Brazilian footballer Neymar Jr. made a triumphant return to action after recovering from an injury, scoring a hat-trick in a match for Paris Saint-Germain.
These are but a few of the many events that have shaped the world in September 2023. As always, the global stage continues to evolve, with new challenges and opportunities emerging daily.
