Wildfires are wreaking havoc across the western United States. They have scorched a record-breaking 2.5 million acres in California and destroyed five Oregon communities (NYT). Across those states and Washington, at least seven people have died (WaPo) and thousands are under evacuation orders (Axios).
 
The wildfires, which have bathed (CNN) California’s Bay Area in an orange haze, come as scientists warn (AP) of worsening natural disasters in years ahead due to climate change. Yesterday, a UN report revealed global temperatures might pass an important limit (AP) set in the Paris Agreement on climate within about a decade. If this happens before 2030, it would be faster than the United Nations previously predicted.

In February and March, President Donald J. Trump admitted the coronavirus was more deadly than the flu but said he wanted to “play it down” (WSJ), according to newly released recordings of an interview with journalist Bob Woodward. Trump defended his comments yesterday, saying he wanted to avoid frightening the public.

The United States said it has revoked (CNN) the visas of more than one thousand Chinese students and researchers since June, citing national security concerns. China described the move (AFP) as “political persecution and racial discrimination.”
 
Hong Kong: The United States sold (Bloomberg) its six-building housing compound for consulate staff in southern Hong Kong to a local developer. A U.S. government spokesperson said the sale would not affect the country’s presence, staffing, and activities in Hong Kong.

Amnesty International alleged that a secretive company is “inextricably linked” (Al Jazeera) to Myanmar’s military, including a general accused of committing atrocities against the Rohingya. The conglomerate, Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited, has sent the military up to $18 billion in dividends, the watchdog group said.
 
This CFR Backgrounder explains the Rohingya crisis.
 
Pakistan: A five-story residential building collapsed (Dawn) in Karachi, trapping many residents, police said. Rescue efforts are ongoing. Three other buildings have collapsed in the city this year.

Eight conflicts that the U.S. military has participated in since September 11, 2001, have displaced (Guardian) at least thirty-seven million people, according to a Brown University report. Instability in Iraq accounted for nearly one-quarter of displacements. Yesterday, the United States announced it will withdraw (Politico) thousands of troops from Iraq and Afghanistan.
 
This CFR timeline looks at the Iraq War.
 
Cairo: The Arab League voted against (Al-Monitor) a Palestinian resolution condemning the United Arab Emirates’ deal to normalize ties with Israel. Palestinian leaders believe the agreement violates a regional peace initiative.

Human rights lawyer George Bizos, who helped defend Nelson Mandela (SABC) and transition South Africa out of apartheid, has died at age ninety-two. President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his condolences (TimesLive), saying Bizos “contributed immensely to our democracy.”
 
Nigeria: The National Association of Resident Doctors said it aims to call off a four-day strike (THISDAY) today after meeting with government officials. The group has been protesting (AFP) over low wages, overcrowded facilities, and insufficient protective gear.

European Union and United Kingdom officials will hold emergency talks (DW) today after the UK proposed a bill yesterday that would permit it to override thorny aspects of the Brexit deal, including rules for Northern Ireland. The move would violate international law (Vox).
 
Serbia: Serbia announced a six-month pause (RFE/RL) on all military exercises with foreign partners. Defense Minister Aleksandar Vulin said the EU pressured Serbia out of participating in a Belarus-hosted exercise that begins today.

WE Charity said it will end (CBC) practically all work in Canada after a decline in donations and a political scandal involving Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The organization will liquidate certain assets to fund ongoing projects in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
 
Mexico: President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said he will request an investigation (AP) into a skirmish between soldiers and farmers, as well as two related deaths. Tensions between the government and farmers have flared for months over Mexico’s water debt to the United States, which farmers object to paying.