East Asia & the Pacific
Cambodia: Hun Manet bats for calm amid border dispute with Thailand
Khmer Times (Cambodia)
In his third interview with an international news agency during his mission abroad, Prime Minister Hun Manet underscored Cambodia and its people’s desire for de-escalation of the border conflict with Thailand while reiterating his government’s support for peaceful settlement of differences between the estranged neighbors.
China: US to keep China trade tariffs steady ahead of key Trump-Xi meeting: Greer
South China Morning Post (Hong Kong)
Washington will keep China tariffs at their current level as the Trump administration seeks “continuity” after the Supreme Court struck down the levies it imposed last year, according to US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, weeks ahead of a high-stakes meeting between the two countries’ leaders.
Fiji: Fiji to host US Deputy Secretary of State in high-level visit
Fiji Sun (Fiji)
Fiji will host United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau this week in a high-level visit aimed at strengthening strategic and economic ties between the two countries.
Indonesia: Russia Welcomes Indonesia Abstaining UN Truce Resolution, Ukraine Wants More
Jakarta Globe (Indonesia)
Both Russia and Ukraine have reacted quite differently to Indonesia’s abstention in a UN resolution on a truce, with Moscow saying that it understands why Jakarta is not picking sides.
Japan: Japan to deploy missiles on island near Taiwan by 2031
BBC (United Kingdom)
Japan plans to deploy surface-to-air missiles to its remote western island near Taiwan by March 2031, its defence minister said, as regional tensions simmer. It is the first time that Japan specified a timeline for the missile deployment to Yonaguni island since it was announced in 2022.
Laos: Thailand Eases Oil Export Controls to Laos, Maintains Restrictions on Cambodia Shipments
Laotian Times (Laos)
Thailand has announced a relaxation of oil export controls at the Chong Mek border crossing in Ubon Ratchathani, effective 27 February. The move aims to facilitate smoother cross-border fuel shipments to Laos. However, strict controls on shipments to Cambodia remain in place. The shift comes after previous scrutiny over fuel movements at Chong Mek, where unusually high volumes of fuel shipments sparked concerns.
Malaysia: Ex-minister’s wife under police investigation for alleged govt ouster plot involving UK, US lobbyists and foreign media
Malay Mail (Malaysia)
A prominent local family is said to be involved in engaging international public relations firms and media organizations in an alleged plot to topple the government and sabotage national stability.
Myanmar: Junta sets dates to convene parliament after contested election
Myanmar Now (Myanmar)
Lower and upper houses will meet in mid-March following a military-run vote that handed the USDP 81 percent of elected seats, fueling speculation Min Aung Hlaing could seek the presidency.
North Korea: Kim Jong Un leaves door open to talks if US accepts North Korea’s nuclear status
NK News (South Korea)
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un left the door open for future negotiations with the U.S. if it accepts Pyongyang’s “irreversible” nuclear status, while rejecting all engagement with South Korea, state media reported after the conclusion of the Ninth Party Congress.
Singapore: Singapore to bolster middle power, regional ties amid ‘geostrategic tectonic plate rupture’: Vivian Balakrishnan
Channel News Asia (Singapore)
Speaking in parliament on Friday (Feb 27) as he laid out his ministry’s priorities for the year, Dr Balakrishnan said that the post-World War II international order – built on multilateralism, international law, free markets, global supply chains and institutions like the United Nations – has come to an end.
South Korea: Lee to visit Singapore, Philippines to deepen AI, nuclear and other future-sector ties
The Korea Herald (South Korea)
President Lee Jae Myung is set to visit Singapore and the Philippines to expand Seoul’s bilateral ties with the two countries into key future growth sectors, including artificial intelligence and nuclear energy, Cheong Wa Dae said Friday.
Taiwan: U.S. think tank calls for ‘hellscape’ drone strategy for Taiwan
Focus Taiwan (Taiwan)
A U.S. think tank has urged Taiwan to adopt a “hellscape” strategy that would flood the Taiwan Strait with drones and other uncrewed systems to deter a potential invasion by China.
Tonga: US Deputy Secretary Landau signs enhanced maritime security pact in Tonga
Matangi Tonga (Tonga)
The United States and Tonga signed an enhanced maritime security agreement today, Friday during a brief but high-level visit by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, deepening cooperation to combat illegal fishing, drug trafficking and transnational crime across the Pacific.
Vietnam: The Ministry of Public Security has requested the prosecution of former Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Kim Tien
BBC News (Vietnam)
(Translated from Vietnamese) According to the conclusion of the Police Investigation Agency of the Ministry of Public Security, Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Tien, former Minister of Health, has been identified as responsible for the irregularities that occurred at Bach Mai Hospital and Viet Duc Hospital’s second facility.
Europe & Eurasia
Albania: Albanian Prime Minister Under Pressure Dismisses Deputy Accused of Corruption
Balkan Insight (Bosnia & Herzegovina)
After months of defending his deputy and Minister of Infrastructure, Belinda Balluku, who faces allegations of manipulating public tenders, Prime Minister Edi Rama dismissed her.
European Union: EU says social fund can be used to allow access to safe abortions across bloc
Reuters (United Kingdom)
The European Commission said that member states may use an existing EU social fund to terminate pregnancies free of charge for women visiting from EU nations that restrict access to safe abortions.
Italy: Italy calls for suspension of carbon price in major attack on EU climate policy
Politico.eu (Belgium)
The Italian government wants the European Union to pause on its flagship climate law, the Emissions Trading System, demanding Brussels suspend the mechanism entirely ahead of a broader review of the policy later this year.
Poland: Poland plans social-media ban for children under 15, Bloomberg News reports
Reuters (United Kingdom)
Poland plans to introduce new legislation to ban social media for children under 15 years of age and will hold platforms responsible for age verification, Education Minister Barbara Nowacka told Bloomberg News in an interview.
Slovakia: Hungary and Slovakia in standoff with Ukraine over broken Russian oil pipe
EUobserver (Belgium)
Tensions between Slovakia, Hungary, and Ukraine increased over the past week, as Russian oil hasn’t been flowing to the two EU countries through the Druzhba pipeline for weeks.
Switzerland: Davos forum chief Brende steps down after WEF probes Epstein links
Euro News (Belgium)
Børge Brende, the President and Chief of the World Economic Forum (WEF) stepped down after the organization opened an internal probe into his past contacts with disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Ukraine: IMF approves $8.1 billion loan for Ukraine, with $1.5 billion to go immediately
Reuters (United Kingdom)
The International Monetary Fund’s executive board approved an $8.1 billion, four-year loan for Ukraine, with $1.5 billion to be disbursed immediately to help keep the government running as its war against Russia’s invasion drags into a fifth year.
Ukraine/Russia: Russia, Ukraine agree on temporary ceasefire to repair lines to Zaporizhzhia plant
The Guardian (United Kingdom)
A local ceasefire around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in southeastern Ukraine has been agreed, with the help of the International Atomic Energy Agency, to allow for necessary repairs of the backup power lines to the plant.
United Kingdom: Mandelson referred to EU anti-fraud agency over Epstein emails
BBC (United Kingdom)
The European Commission has asked the EU’s anti-fraud agency to investigate Lord Mandelson following the release of documents in the US relating to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein
Near East
Iran: US and Iran wrap up latest nuclear talks without a deal as the risk of war looms
Associated Press (United States)
Iran and the United States held hours of indirect negotiations Thursday over Tehran’s nuclear program but walked away without a deal, leaving the danger of another Mideast war on the table as the U.S. has gathered a massive fleet of aircraft and warships in the region. Trump wants a deal to constrain Iran’s nuclear program, and he sees an opportunity while the country is struggling at home with growing dissent following nationwide protests. Iran also hopes to avert war, but maintains it has the right to enrich uranium and does not want to discuss other issues, like its long-range missile program or support for armed groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
Iran: Anti-government student protests spread to more Iranian universities
BBC (United Kingdom)
A fresh wave of anti-government protests staged by students at several Iranian universities that began on Saturday has spread to more campuses. They are the first large-scale demonstrations in the country since the nationwide protests in December and January which led to a brutal crackdown by the authorities.
Iran: Trump says ‘there will likely be more’ US deaths as Iran strikes to continue until ‘all’ goals achieved
BBC (United Kingdom)
Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei is confirmed to have been killed during joint US and Israeli strikes in Iran. Conflict has spread through the region, particularly between Iranian-backed groups like Hezbollah and Israeli forces, with Donald Trump commenting that there will likely be additional deaths of US servicepeople.
Israel: US consular services in illegal Israeli settlement in West Bank condemned
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
Hamas and the Palestinian Authority (PA) have condemned an announcement by the United States that it will offer consular services at a settlement in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. In a statement on Wednesday, Hamas described the move as “a dangerous precedent” and “a practical recognition of the legitimacy of colonial-settlements and the occupation’s control over the West Bank.”
Israel: Netanyahu greets Indian PM Modi as he lands in Israel
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted by Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel at the start of a visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties. Modi’s visit comes as Israel continues to violate a ceasefire intended to stop its genocidal war on Gaza.
Israel: Israel designates five Palestinian news outlets as ‘terrorist’ groups
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has signed a military order designating five Palestinian local online media platforms as “terrorist” organisations, alleging links to Hamas, according to local Israeli media. The order announced by Katz on Monday targets Al Asima News, Quds Plus, Alquds Albawsala, Maraj and Maydan Alquds. It said the outlets are used to incite unrest, particularly in Jerusalem.
Lebanon: Lebanon urges Hezbollah militant group to avoid getting involved if the US strikes Iran
Associated Press (United States)
Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji on Tuesday urged the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah not to get involved in any fighting between the United States and Iran, expressing concerns about a new possible conflict with Israel. Rajji told journalists in Geneva that Lebanese officials had been warned that in the event of another Israel-Hezbollah war, Israel would strike harder against civilian infrastructure across Lebanon than in the previous round of fighting.
Palestine: With rocks, clubs and flammable liquid, Jewish settlers descend on a Palestinian hamlet
Associated Press (United States)
Dozens of Jewish settlers carrying clubs, rocks and bottles of flammable liquid strode into the Palestinian hamlet of Susiya and set fire to vehicles, security camera footage obtained by The Associated Press on Wednesday shows. Susiya is in the hills of the southern West Bank, where Palestinians often experience settler attacks.
Syria: Syria confirms ‘mass escape’ from camp housing relatives of ISIL fighters
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
A Syrian official has confirmed “mass escapes” from a facility housing relatives of suspected ISIL (ISIS) fighters in northern Syria last month after the withdrawal of Kurdish-led forces who had previously controlled the camp. Noureddine al-Baba, the spokesman for Syria’s Ministry of Interior, told reporters in Damascus on Wednesday that Syrian forces had discovered more than 138 breaches in the camp’s 17km (11-mile) perimeter wall.
Sub-Saharan Africa
Africa: Africa’s Mobile Money Boom Leaves Users Vulnerable to Cyber Crime
Africa Defense Forum (United States)
Africa leads the world in mobile money use, with over 1.1 billion accounts, and sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 74% of global transactions in 2024, according to the GSMA. But weak regulation and low digital literacy have left users exposed to cybercrime. This costs African countries millions to online thieves, like Kenya in 2023, which lost an estimated $883 million. Efforts to combat cybercrime have advanced somewhat, with Afripol and Interpol working together. However, persistent gaps in coordinated cybersecurity across Africa highlight the need for the continent to become more self-reliant instead of relying on the international community, experts argue.
Africa: Epstein Files Reveal Links to West African Power Circles
allAfrica (United States)
Recently released U.S. records show that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein built ties with West African elites, including the son of former Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade, Karim Wade, and the niece of Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara, Nina Keita. Documents reveal that Epstein met Wade in 2010 and formed a close personal and business relationship, with no link to sex trafficking crimes, introducing him to high-profile figures like then-Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Chinese businessman Desmond Shum.
DRC: US, DR Congo sign $1.2B health deal
Semafor (United States)
As part of the new U.S. foreign policy in Africa following “trade-not-aid”, the US and the Democratic Republic of Congo have signed a billion-dollar health deal. Of the $1.2 billion health agreement, over the next five years, the US will fund three-quarters and the DRC the rest. Although many African countries have agreed to similar deals, experts warn that the aid cuts could lead to many more deaths, as many regional nations are already struggling to get by.
Ethiopia: Will Ethiopia be part of Israel’s ‘hexagon’ alliance rivalling its enemies?
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
Analysts say it remains unclear whether Ethiopia will formally join any new Israeli-led alliance following Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa. This visit comes days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proposed a “hexagon” alliance of countries that include Israel, India, Greece, and Cyprus to counter regional adversaries like Iran. While Israel and Ethiopia share historic and strategic ties, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia have also recently engaged with Ethiopia, leaving the country to caustically balance regional pressures
Kenya/Somalia: Kenya-Somalia border reopening brings trade, travel opportunities despite lingering security fears
The Eastleigh Voice (Kenya)
Kenyan President William Ruto announced that two border crossings with Somalia will reopen in April, ending a closure that has been in place since 2011 due to security concerns related to Al-Shabaab. The reopening is expected to promote increased trade, tourism, and travel, as well as boost regional integration, with traders and community leaders on both sides recognizing the strong connections between the two nations. While the decision is welcomed, officials also state that strengthened security measures will be implemented to address the ongoing threat from militants.
Nigeria: Protests Erupt In Nigeria Over Detention of Ex-Governor El-Rufai
allAfrica (United States)
Youth groups in Kaduna State are leading protests over the detention of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, whom they argue undermines due process and legal fairness. Following an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), El-Rufai returned to Nigeria earlier this month. Two days later, he was transferred to the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), where he remains detained. Opposition leaders have labeled the action a “systematic clampdown” on dissent, pointing to the recent arrest and arraignment of former Attorney General Abubakar Malam as evidence of a pattern targeting key opposition figures.
Senegal: Senegal, IMF fail to strike lending deal as debt mounts
Semafor (United States)
Following the 2024 revelation of billions in previously undisclosed borrowing by Senegal’s former government, the country’s debt now exceeds 130% of GDP. Senegal’s finance minister said the country and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have not reached an agreement on a new lending program following their recent discussions. While Dakar has dismissed the idea of debt restructuring and is instead exploring the regional debt market, some economists caution that restructuring might not be an option. They warn that aggressive efforts to repay debts could ultimately be more costly.
South Africa: South Africa secures return of 11 men ‘lured’ into Russia-Ukraine war
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that eleven South African men believed to have been “lured” into fighting for Russia in the Ukraine conflict are expected to return home. Diplomatic efforts were prompted after distress calls from 17 men trapped in the conflict zone, with Ramaphosa thanking Russian President Vladimir Putin for enabling their repatriation. South African law forbids citizens from joining foreign militaries without permission. Investigations are underway into how these men were recruited through false job offers. At least three people in South Africa are being investigated, including Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of former President Jacob Zuma. She has denied involvement but resigned from her parliamentary position following the allegations.
South Sudan: South Sudan at risk of ‘return to full-scale war’, UN warns
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
A UN report by the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan (CHRSS) warns that the country faces a risk of returning to full-scale conflict due to rising violence, persistent impunity, and extensive civilian abuses. Presented at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the report details killings, widespread sexual violence, arbitrary arrests, and large-scale displacement. The investigation, which lasted a year, criticizes political and military leaders for destabilizing the 2018 peace agreement and calls for regional and global intervention. To avoid a resumption of civil war, the report recommends enforcing the UN arms embargo and implementing long-overdue transitional justice measures.
Zambia: Zambia Rejects US Health Funding Deal
Africa Press (South Africa)
Zambia has rejected part of a US global health agreement exceeding $1 billion, citing misalignment with national interests and concerns over data sharing related to mining. The deal, aimed at combating HIV and improving maternal and child health, would have required $340 million in co-funding from Zambia. Health advocates warned that it might prioritize mining sector interests over public health. This rejection comes amid heightened scrutiny of US health funding in Africa, as countries like Zimbabwe withdrew from a $367 million deal over data privacy concerns, and Kenya’s $1.6 billion arrangement was put on hold pending legal review.
South & Central Asia
Afghanistan: Afghanistan launches military strikes on Pakistan in retaliation for earlier airstrikes
The Hindu (India)
Afghanistan’s military launched an attack on Thursday (February 26, 2026) on Pakistan to retaliate for Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan border areas earlier in the week, claiming to have captured more than a dozen Pakistani army posts in the latest escalation of violence between the volatile neighbors.
Afghanistan: Pakistan is in ‘open war’ with Afghanistan after latest strikes, defense minister says
AP News (United States)
Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged cross-border attacks overnight in a dramatic escalation of tensions that led Pakistan’s defense minister to say on Friday that the two countries are in a state of “open war.”
Afghanistan: Pakistan says ‘no dialogue’ with Afghanistan as attacks persist
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers have said they are open to negotiations to bring an end to the conflict. But Pakistan on Saturday said there would be “no dialogue”, repeating its long-running demand that Afghanistan stop harbouring “terrorism”, an allegation Kabul denies. “There won’t be any talks. There’s no dialogue. There’s no negotiation. Terrorism from Afghanistan has to end,” the Pakistani prime minister’s spokesperson for foreign media, Mosharraf Zaidi, told Pakistan TV, stressing that Pakistan’s responsibility was to protect its citizens and territory.
Bangladesh: BNP names Rezaul Karim as candidate for Bogura-6 vacated by Tarique Rahman
Prothom Alo (Bangladesh)
Rezaul Karim (Badsha), president of the Bogura district unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has received his party’s nomination to contest the by-election in the Bogra-6 constituency, vacated by BNP chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Bhutan: National debt to rise by 26%, reaching Nu 380 billion in June
Kuensel (Bhutan)
According to the finance ministry’s Annual Macroeconomic Performance and Outlook Report 2026, debt is projected to increase to Nu 382.1 billion by the end of fiscal year 2025-26, up from Nu 303.57 billion at the end of fiscal year 2024-25. The debt-to-GDP ratio is estimated at 110.47 percent as of June this year.
India: India-Israel axis: What are the IMEC corridor, I2U2 grouping Modi spoke of?
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged closer cooperation on various projects, including the proposed India-Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the I2U2 as part of a broader push to deepen economic and strategic cooperation with Israel and key Middle Eastern partners, positioning India at the centre of emerging trade and technology corridors amid shifting regional geopolitics.
Kazakhstan: Britain has imposed sanctions on Rosatom subsidiaries. Will this affect the construction of nuclear power plants in Kazakhstan?
Azattyq (Kazakhstan)
The UK has imposed sanctions on three subsidiaries of the Russian nuclear power company Rosatom. London’s sanctions were prompted by Russia’s agreements to build nuclear power plants abroad. This has raised questions about whether the construction of the nuclear power plant being built by Rosatom in Kazakhstan will be delayed. The UK government suspects that Russia is opening additional sources of income through these nuclear power projects and offsetting its costs.
Maldives: FM ‘fully ready’ to aid Maldivians living in Gulf as Iran, US and Israel exchange fire
Sun Online (Maldives)
The Maldivian Foreign Ministry says it is keeping a close eye on the situation and is ready to assist Maldivian citizens in the Gulf region, as the United States and Israel attacked Iran on Saturday, prompting retaliatory fire directed at Israel and US bases across the region.
Nepal: Nepal requests Portugal to grant reprieve to Nepalis caught in fake stamp scandal
The Kathmandu Post (Nepal)
Nepal has urged Portugal to provide a one-time opportunity to hundreds of Nepalis facing serious legal trouble over fake stamps on police clearance certificates.
Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka’s former intelligence chief arrested over 2019 Easter attacks
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
Sri Lanka’s criminal investigators have arrested the country’s former intelligence chief in connection with the wave of 2019 Easter Sunday bombings that killed 279 people and upended the nation’s tourism economic lifeline, police said. A whistleblower told the network that he had permitted the attack to proceed with the intention of influencing that year’s presidential election in favour of Rajapaksa. Two days after the bombings, Rajapaksa declared his candidacy and went on to win the November vote in a landslide after promising to stamp out violence.
Tajikistan: “I want to live”: 466 Tajiks killed in the war in Ukraine
Ozodi News (Tajikistan)
According to confirmed data, about 1,400 “mercenaries” from Central Asia have been killed in Russia’s war against Ukraine. Thousands of Central Asians are currently fighting in the Russian army against Ukraine. The source says that they are being sent to fight in various ways such as being granted Russian citizenship, recieving rubles, or have been promised freedom in exchange for fighting.
Turkmenistan: Turkmenistan: Why was the Minister of National Security fired?
Turkmen News (Netherlands)
Nazar Atagarayev’s, the Minister of National Security of Turkmenistan was removed from his position after the death of a disabled person of the first group after being tortured by security forces.
Uzbekistan: Land Seizures Spread Across Uzbekistan As Farmers Cite Push For Chinese Capital
Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty (Czech Republic)
A wave of land disputes that began in eastern Uzbekistan has spread to Sirdaryo, where farmers say authorities are using courts, debt enforcement, and administrative pressure to shift farmland into a system that favors foreign, particularly Chinese, investors.
Western Hemisphere
Argentina/Uruguay: Argentina, Uruguay ratify EU-South America trade deal
AP News (United States)
On February 26th, Argentina and Uruguay became the first members of the Mercosur bloc — a South American political and economic bloc comprised of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Brazil, and suspended Venezuela — to ratify a free trade agreement with the European Union. It establishes a large free trade zone, eliminating tariffs on 91-92% of goods, and passed both South American governments with landslide votes.
Barbados/Trinidad: Trinidad and Barbados spar over businessman’s abduction
Caribbean Life News (United States)
Throughout the week of February 23rd, the prime ministers of Trinidad and Barbados clashed over allegations from both sides. The allegations stem from the arrest of a Trinidadian business and arms dealer on Barbadian soil with an alleged warrant from Trinidadian officials. Tension comes from the silence on both sides back when the arrest occurred in 2022 and now the forthright allegations of corruption and collusion.
Brazil: Bolsonaro’s nomination to the Senate raises doubts within the Liberal Party
CNN Brasil (Brazil)
On February 26th, the nomination of a deputy mayor has caused a deadlock within the Liberal Party of Brazil. The controversy began when a list created by Senator Flavio Bolsonaro was leaked, revealing a different direction than the President of the party, Valdemar Costa Neto. There are several competing names, but none have gained enough support to win the Senate seats, beginning the deadlock.
Canada: Canada’s PM Carney in India to reset ties and bolster trade
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
On February 27th, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carne arrived in India for a landmark visit, seeking to diversify Canada’s trade partners amidst tensions with the United States. Carney is expected to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday to discuss partnerships spanning trade, energy, technology, artificial intelligence and defense. Carney will also need to work on repairing damaged relationships between India and Canada that had nosedived following deadly attacks against Sikh activists in Canada several years ago.
Cuba: Cuban forces intercept a Florida speedboat “infiltrating” the island
CNN (United States)
On February 25th, Cuba announced that its forces fired at a Florida speedboat heading towards the island, fatally shooting four of the heavily armed individuals on board. A passenger on the boat shot at a Cuban vessel, wounding its commander and prompting a response. A statement from Cuba’s interior ministry allege that the passengers of the speedboat were Cuban residents from the U.S. with terrorist backgrounds, armed with Molotov cocktails and assault rifles.
Dominica: Dominica and the U.S. reach a deal on aslyum seekers and visa restrictions
EuroNews (Belgium)
On February 23rd, Dominica signed a deal with the Trump administration to begin receiving foreign nationals who were seeking asylum to the United States. Roosevelt Skerrit, Dominica’s prime minister, explains that the deal is a step towards collaboration with the nation after Dominica was hit with partial visa and travel restrictions from the U.S.
Mexico: Mexican army kills leader of powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel during operation to capture him
AP News (United States)
On February 22nd the Mexican Army killed the leader of Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho”- striking a serious blow to one of Mexico’s most powerful cartels. The drug lord’s death thrust swaths of the nation into chaos as cartel members reacted by burning cars and blocking roads. The killing is one of the Mexican administration’s biggest accomplishments in their efforts to crack down on the cartels.
Panama: Hong Kong lodges ‘strong’ protest after Panama takes control of canal ports
BBC News (United Kingdom)
On February 23, Panama took control of two ports that been run by Hong Kong-based company CK Hutchison for more than two decades. The next day Hong Kong lodged a formal complaint with the government of Panama accusing Panamanian authorities of taking them over by force and undermining international trade rules. This occurs after a ruling last month by Panama’s Supreme Court that annulled contracts allowing the firm to operate the container ports, following claims by U.S. President Donald trump that China was operating the canal.
The SHU World Review is produced by the Student Research Assistants of the DiploLab at the School of Diplomacy and International Relations at Seton Hall University. Some summaries may be copied from article text. Back issues are available in Seton Hall’s repository.