☕ The barriers to Myanmar's recovery

Good morning.

This week, a big news focus will be a new round of tariffs, which are set to be announced by President Trump on Wednesday. In the meantime, we’re getting you across the disaster in Myanmar and recapping the VP’s trip to Greenland.

I’ve got 30 seconds

Some headlines from this morning:

• President Donald Trump has said he would consider running for a third presidential term, beyond the limits set out in the Constitution of two terms. On Sunday, Trump told NBC News that he was “not joking” about his intentions. The 22nd Amendment prohibits any person from holding the presidential office for over two terms, but President Trump told NBC that some exceptions were being explored. While some Trump allies praise the idea, Democrats have quickly condemned it, with two Democratic Congressmen drafting legislation that would close any potential loopholes.

• President Trump has said “there will be bombing” in Iran, as well as tariffs placed on Iran’s trading partners, should the two nations fail to reach a deal over Iran’s nuclear program. Iran has insisted that its development of nuclear assets is only for civilian energy purposes and reiterated its statement from earlier this year that it would not deal with the US if “maximum economic pressure” was being imposed. President Trump withdrew the US from the last US-Iran deal in 2015, which saw Iran restrict its nuclear program in return for sanction relief. However, since his return to office, he has reimposed tariffs and pushed for a new agreement. 

• Social media influencer Andrew Tate has been accused of sexual assault and battery by an ex-partner. The accusation adds to several other allegations against Tate and his brother, Tristan, who are accused of human trafficking, money laundering, and sex crimes in Romania and the UK. Tate’s ex-partner alleged in a 30-page lawsuit that Tate attempted to track her movements and threatened to kill her, as well as physically and sexually abusing her. Tate’s lawyers dismissed the allegations, saying they were an opportunistic cash grab by the complainant. 

• The contraceptive pill will become free in all pharmacies in England. While emergency contraception is currently free at most National Health Service (NHS) sexual health clinics and GPs, there is still a fee at pharmacies. The Government said making the morning-after pill accessible in pharmacies will end the “postcode lottery women face in accessing the medicine and reducing inequalities“.

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Vice President JD Vance, his wife Usha, and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz have returned from a short visit to Greenland over the weekend.

The trip occurred within the context of comments from the Trump administration indicating its desire to take over Greenland, a semi-autonomous island. The VP’s comments during the trip have drawn international criticism, particularly from neighboring Denmark. Here’s what you need to know.

A reminder: Why does Greenland matter to the US?

Greenland is a semi-autonomous island located between Europe and North America, and is part of the wider Kingdom of Denmark. Greenland’s government is responsible for matters within the island, while Denmark remains responsible for foreign policy, defense and some economic matters. The island has untapped mineral and oil deposits and occupies a strategically valuable location as a fast shipping route between the two continents.

The US has had troops stationed on the island since the Second World War.

Vance commentary

VP Vance’s wife, Usha, originally planned to undertake what her office described as a “cultural trip” to Greenland without her husband. The day before the scheduled departure, Vance announced he would accompany her.

The pair altered their itinerary in response to widespread protests planned by local groups who oppose any US tilt for power. As a result, the VP didn't visit main cities like Nuuk, but instead focused solely on US military stations.

Speaking to US soldiers, Vance promoted Greenland’s cooperation with the US, warning of a changing global diplomatic climate. The VP said ignoring Russian and Chinese interests in the island was not an option and criticized Danish management of Greenland’s national security.

Reaction

Greenland’s PM called the visit “aggressive”, saying the “only purpose” of National Security Advisor Mike Waltz attending the trip was to “demonstrate power over [Greenland].’’

Denmark’s PM said Vance’s criticism of its protection of Greenland was “unjustified” and stressed Denmark had been "a good and strong ally" to the island.

A number of demonstrations were held during the visit, both in Greenland and Denmark.

I’ve got 2 minutes

Over the weekend, at least 1,700 people were killed in a 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, with authorities continuing a search for survivors under collapsed buildings.

The shocks were felt across Southeast Asia.

Today, the likelihood of finding survivors continues to fall, as some rescue teams change focus from saving lives to recovering bodies.

Myanmar’s political and military situation, access to infrastructure, and delays in foreign aid continue to frustrate recovery efforts. Let’s dive in.

Background

The earthquake's epicenter was near Mandalay, the second-largest city in Myanmar. The quake was caused by a shift of tectonic plates at the Sagaing fault line.

Rescue efforts have so far focused on major cities Mandalay and Naypyitaw, but there has also been widespread damage in regional areas. Myanmar remains one of Asia’s poorest nations.

Damage and shortages

Myanmar’s highways, bridges, buildings, and energy and communication networks have been severely damaged. Access to key cities and communiction via phone or internet is severely restricted.

Rescue teams in Mandalay have consisted mainly of volunteers and locals, as government and foreign aid only gained full access to the city on Sunday.

Myanmar’s armed forces have been deployed to assist. A local quoted by the BBC said, “they are not helping” and asked for more formal assistance.

According to reports from heavily affected areas, rescue teams lack the specialized heavy machinery needed to recover bodies and survivors trapped under debris. In some cases, local teams have borrowed some of this equipment from private businesses, while most teams only have limited tools, such as rope or shovels, at their disposal.

Myanmar’s overwhelmed hospital system and lack of basic medical supplies have also limited treatment options for those injured.

Temperature

The pace of rescue efforts was hindered by Myanmar’s fierce summer. Temperatures are predicted to reach 104 degrees this week, and rescuers report that recovered corpses show advanced decay due to the heat.

Civil war

Broader rescue efforts outside of Manderlay and Naypyitaw have been even slower. Years of civil war have meant that well-established militias control large areas of the country. Aid workers' access to these areas is restricted.

Yesterday, Myanmar’s military junta reportedly bombed parts of the country in what the UN called “completely outrageous and unacceptable” actions. Myanmar’s military regime seized power in the country in 2021 and has continued to clash with pro-democracy groups attempting to overthrow the militia.

Anti-Junta groups announced a two-week pause of all military action on Sunday.

Foreign aid

Indian and Chinese aid were the first to reach Myanmar, with two Indian planes and a convoy of Chinese trucks arriving on Sunday.

Other countries have promised aid, including $2 million from the US. A USAID team, limited to three because of widespread cuts to the department, is set to arrive on the ground on Wednesday to further assess what is needed in the disaster relief efforts.