18. Lessons from Cold War: Reagan, Gorbachev, Fall of the Berlin Wall, & End of the Cold War

• Gillian Mackay introduced motion S7M-01178 for a parliamentary debate on September 16, 2026, regarding boycotts, divestment, and sanctions in the Middle East. • The motion cites that more than 20,000 children have been killed and 45,000 injured in Gaza since October 7, 2023.

• UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for immediate de-escalation and diplomacy in the Middle East and Ukraine. • He demanded that all parties cease actions harming civilians and restore navigational rights in the straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab.

• Houthi rebels and the Saudi-led coalition exchanged fire recently as part of the ongoing conflict in Yemen. • The Houthis claimed to have shot down a Saudi jet, while the coalition reported rebel attacks near the city of Mecca.

• The Spanish government under Pedro Sánchez has spent recent years avoiding open confrontation with Morocco to maintain stability. • This diplomatic strategy covers critical shared interests including trade, security, migration, and the territories of Ceuta, Melilla, and Western Sahara.

• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for urgent de-escalation and a return to diplomacy across the Middle East to protect civilians and humanitarian operations. • The appeal follows threats to oil supplies and disruptions to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, Yemen, and Gaza.

• Houthi rebels in Yemen have advanced their positions, leading to Saudi counterstrikes and turning a vital Middle East shipping artery into a battlefield. • The conflict has resulted in extraordinary success for the rebels while causing severe humanitarian distress for Yemeni civilians.

• United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for urgent reforms to the Security Council on Wednesday to address its current state of paralysis. • Guterres stated that the conduct of permanent members has created an "environment of impunity" where powers violating international law sit on the body meant to maintain global peace.

• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that geopolitical divides are currently preventing the UN Security Council from taking action on global crises. • Guterres called for urgent reform of the Security Council to address these divisions and improve its effectiveness.

• Global trade routes and infrastructure are transforming into geopolitical battlegrounds as logistics and chokepoints redefine the risks of globalization. • The shift means that political agreements between states no longer guarantee the physical security of infrastructure located thousands of kilometers away.

• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised the BRICS New Delhi declaration for its commitment to the United Nations and multilateralism, which is the practice of multiple countries working together. • Guterres specifically highlighted the support for a UN-centered approach from major powers including China and Russia.

• Robert Kraft pledged to donate $2 million to Gaza following a challenge from the artist Macklemore. • The donation comes after Kraft barred Macklemore from Ed Sheeran’s tour due to the singer's pro-Palestinian remarks.