December 2022
G.L.O.B.A.L. Justice provides daily Global News summaries of key headlines of critical news stories. At the end of each year we provide a Top 10 news stories of the year from the news we have highlighted throughout the year. While this summation could not possibly highlight all significant news and events from 2022, we present the following as some of the most significant. As with every year, 2022 presented many challenges locally and globally on many fronts and noteworthy geopolitical events with implications for 2023 and the years to come.
10. Elon Musk and Twitter
Recently noteworthy for 2022, is Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter. Users and individuals across the world have strong opinions about the changes that have taken place and the information he has revealed about Twitter’s previous policies including the censorship of particular viewpoints and news in the 2020 elections. The EU and UK have threatened sanctions against Twitter because of the changes in policies. Regardless of personal viewpoints, Elon Musk has impacted and sparked conversations regarding free speech and the role of social media in 2022.
9. Changes in COVID-19 Policies
COVID-19, its implications, and policies continue to be a top news topic in 2022. In the United States, the District of Columbia and states such as New York ended vaccine requirements for restaurants and other public places early 2022. Other states, like California have increased vaccine requirements for state employees such as public school teachers. Most recently, China faced rare protests against it’s zero COVID-19 policies that had left thousands locked in their homes which resulted in increased deaths due to lack of medical care or food insecurity. As a result, many of these policies have at least for now been lifted and the citizens of China are navigating a way of life that is dramatically different than the last two years.
8. Death of Queen Elizabeth II
One of the most notable deaths of 2022 is the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Queen Elizabeth the II died in September of 2022 at the age of 96 after serving as the United Kingdoms longest serving monarch, after reigning for 70 years. Throughout her reign, fifteen prime ministers served the United Kingdom, including Winston Churchhill. Her son, son King Charles III became King with his wife Camila becoming Queen. The Queen’s death was marked by leaders around the world who offered their respects to the Queen as well as mourners who lined up for days to pay their respects.
7. Migration Surge and Response in the United States/Globally
While each year has had its fair share of migration increases/concerns, in 2022 the world experienced an increase as a result of various crises around the world. Nations have responded to this increase in different ways, either decreasing or increasing their willingness to host refugees and asylum seekers. Pakistan experienced an increase in Afghan refugees due to the Taliban and humanitarian conditions in Afghanistan. The United Kingdom faced criticism for its plan to refoul asylum seekers back to Rwanda. As in other years, in many instances, individuals fleeing to seek refuge in other nations in 2022 perished on their journeys. The United States in particular saw a surge in migrants from South America and Ukraine seeking asylum at the southern border. The Biden administration continued to enforce policies at the border put in place under President Trump to the criticism of many. Cities facing an increase in migrant needs along the southern border with no increase in resources sent migrants to other cities to the criticism of many and even accusations of human trafficking.
6. Global Supply Chain Concerns/Inflation - Chip Shortage, Railroad Strike, Fuel Prices, and Diesel Shortage
While 2020 and 2021 had their fair share of supply shortages and concerns around the world, in 2022 individuals experienced an increase in these concerns. Chip shortages resulted in shortages with various electronics as well as the production and supply of vehicles. Countries around the world have felt a sharp increase in the cost of living due to inflation and increased government spending. Supply concerns were also impacted by threatened railroad strikes in the United States and other nations as well as fuel concerns in part due to the war in Ukraine as well as policies enacted. Households in Germany and other European nations were particularly impacted. Fuel prices also jumped in the United States but eventually began to drop as the United States approached our midterm elections.
5. Continued Conflicts and Crises Around the World
In addition to the war in Ukraine and the Humanitarian Crisis in Afghanistan, many parts of the world continued to face food shortages, war, environmental, and other crises. Pakistan faced extreme flooding leading to hundreds of deaths and the displacement of thousands. Somalia and Sudan continued to face conflict and famine. Ethiopia and Eritrea continued to be in conflict resulting in deaths related to the war including civilians. Haiti along with other South American nations faced increase gang violence and civil unrest. Nigeria faced flooding that killed hundreds and displaced thousands while also seeing an increase in violence against Christians.
4. Afghanistan - Status of Vulnerable One Year after the U.S. Withdrawal
While the United States evacuated Afghanistan in 2021, the humanitarian conditions of the rights of the vulnerable in Afghanistan and the status of Afghan refugees around the world was one of the direst in 2022. Open Doors U.S.A. determined that Afghanistan was the most dangerous country for Christians in its annual review, the first time North Korea has been displaced from most dangerous to second most dangerous nation for Christians. Other minority groups such as the Hazara are facing increased violence at the hands of the Taliban. Women and girls have continued to be removed from public life including school and work - women in particular are punished if they go out in public without a suitable male escort and girls as young as four are reportedly being sold into marriage to provide for other family members. Thousands of Afghan refugees evacuated by the United States are still in the Humanitarian City in UAE without a path forward. Afghans paroled into the United States are facing an end to their temporary permission to stay, and thousands do not have a path forward through our immigration system.
3. Iran Protests
Protests have been ongoing in Iran since the death of 22 year old Mahsa Amini when she was in custody of the country’s morality police just three days before she died. She was arrested for not wearing her hijab correctly and for wearing skinny jeans. The government denied that her death was their responsibility. Iranians of all ages, religions, and genders have demonstrated in her death - but primarily young people - women in particular. As of December 2022 at least 100 people who were detained are facing the death penalty. At least two younger protesters have already been executed. The result of these protests for the government and the people of Iran will continue to evolve in 2023.
2. Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization
The leaked draft Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision from the Supreme Court overruling Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey sparked protests and rallies at the Supreme Court and Capitals across the nation. Both pro-life and pro-abortion advocates were rallied to express their support or opposition to the leaked decision. Conservative Supreme Court Justices were threatened and protests were held in front of their private homes. Months later, the Supreme Court released the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey returning the issue of abortion access to the states. This provided the opportunity not only for greater regulation of abortion access but also the expansion of abortion access. States have responded in a range of ways - codifying existing abortion rights, expanding abortion rights, and restricting abortion rights. Whether the Dobbs decision decreased or increased abortion access will continue to be determined in 2023.
1. Ukraine/Russian War
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the resulting war is perhaps one if not the top news topic of 2022. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, civilians in Ukraine have fled their homes - disproportionately women and children, both Russia and Ukraine have sustained significant losses, and the world has provided billions of dollars of humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine. While there have been talks between Russia and Ukraine with the assistance of the United States and other western nations, no resolution has been reached between the two nations.
Look back on all top news of 2022 and follow along with G.L.O.B.A.L. in 2023 for our daily Global News here.