East Asia & the Pacific
Australia: Anthony Albanese and Singapore’s prime minister talk trade, fuel in bilateral meeting
ABC News (Australia)
Australia and Singapore have agreed to make every effort to meet each other’s energy needs as conflict in the Middle East continues. Albanese is expected to visit more countries across the region in the coming weeks to further shore up Australia’s fuel supplies.
Cambodia: Border sovereignty defended in Paris
Khmer Times (Cambodia)
Prime Minister Hun Manet reaffirmed Cambodia’s stance on the border dispute with Thailand during a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on April 8. The Cambodian leader reiterated his government’s firm commitment to resolving all border issues with Thailand peacefully. He emphasized that any resolution must align with international law, relevant conventions, and existing bilateral agreements.
China: Will Cheng Li-wun’s meeting with Xi Jinping temper cross-strait ties?
South China Morning Post (Hong Kong)
The high-profile talks between leaders of the Communist Party and the Kuomintang, the first such meeting in a decade, are a step towards cross-strait stability despite the KMT’s opposition status in Taiwan, according to observers.
Indonesia: Prabowo swears in Anwar Usman’s replacement in Constitutional Court
The Jakarta Post (Indonesia)
President Prabowo Subianto has inaugurated Liliek Prisbawono Adi as a new Constitutional Court justice, filling the vacancy left by Anwar Usman, who concluded his 15-year controversial tenure at the court.
Japan: Push to revise Japan’s pacifist Constitution gains steam
The Asahi Shimbun (Japan)
Some lawmakers stressed urgency while others urged caution in drafting revisions to Japan’s supreme laws at the first meeting of the Lower House Commission on the Constitution during the current Diet session. This political muscle reinforces a pact the LDP made with the opposition Nippon Ishin (Japan Innovation Party) last October to establish a committee to draft constitutional amendments “as soon as possible.”
Laos: Vietnam Sends Senior Party Leader to Laos, Advances Strategic Ties
The Laotian Times (Laos)
Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between Laos and Vietnam, rooted in shared revolutionary history, political trust, and decades of cooperation. The visit comes amid renewed diplomatic momentum between the two countries.
North Korea: North Korea and China’s top diplomats hold talks in Pyongyang
NK News (South Korea)
North Korea and China’s foreign ministers held talks in Pyongyang late Thursday, vowing to support each other on the global stage as they prepare to mark the 65th anniversary of their defense pact.
South Korea: S. Korea’s official development aid falls 3.9 pct in 2025
The Korea Herald (South Korea)
South Korea’s official development assistance posted an on-year decrease of 3.9 percent to $3.87 billion in 2025, due to a weak exchange rate and reduced multilateral aid, the government said Friday.
Taiwan: Haiti supports freedom, democracy, stands with Taiwan: Ambassador
Focus Taiwan (Taiwan)
Haiti supports Taiwan because it has long championed democracy and freedom, Ambassador Roudy Stanley Penn told CNA in an interview on Wednesday. “We support the freedom of the people of Taiwan because we know what freedom means; we know what isolation means,” Penn said in an interview conducted on Wednesday.
Thailand: Thailand oil supplies ‘sufficient for 110 days’
Bangkok Post (Thailand)
Thailand’s oil supply remains sufficient for 110 days, according to the Ministry of Energy, which says daily diesel production has been averaging 83.2 million liters, with sales around 64.7 million liters per day. The ministry said total oil reserves consisted of 25 days’ worth of statutory reserves, 23 days of commercial reserves, 31 days’ worth of oil in transit, and 31 days of confirmed procurement.
Europe & Eurasia
European Union: EU gives Russia €3bn LNG Arctic boost as Iran war exposes energy vulnerability
EUObserver (Belgium)
The EU is the dominant consumer of liquified natural gas (LNG) from Russia’s Yamal Arctic project — despite promising to end imports of Russian fossil fuels at the end of this year, according to new data published on Friday (10 April).
Georgia: US Revisits Georgia’s Black Sea Port As Strategic Corridors Rise
Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty (Czech Republic)
After nearly two years of suspended engagement under a multiyear strategic partnership, the United States has resumed high-level contact with Georgia. On March 30, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.
Hungary: Hungary’s Orban concedes landmark defeat to centre-right opposition
Reuters (United Kingdom)
Hungary’s veteran nationalist leader Viktor Orban conceded defeat on Sunday after a landslide election victory by the upstart opposition Tisza party. Results based on 46% of votes counted showed the centre-right, pro-EU Tisza party of Peter Magyar winning 135 seats – or a two-thirds majority – in the 199-member parliament, ahead of Orban’s Fidesz party.
Ireland: Irish PM announces €505m in fuel-cost measures after days of protests
BBC (United Kingdom)
The Irish government has announced a package worth €505 million (440 million) to support those “most impacted” by rising fuel costs. Taoiseach (Irish PM) Micheál Martin said on Sunday that his government is extending temporary measures to reduce excise duty on petrol, diesel, and marked gas oil.
Italy: Attack on oil pipeline in Italy threatened fuel supplies across southern Germany
Politico (United States)
An attack on an oil pipeline in northern Italy put the supply of gasoline, diesel and aviation fuel to southern Germany at risk in late March, according to information obtained by Business Insider and WELT AM SONNTAG.
Russia: Ex-Deputy Defense Minister Pavel Popov Jailed 19 Years on Corruption Charges
The Moscow Times (The Netherlands)
A Moscow military court on Friday sentenced former Deputy Defense Minister Pavel Popov to 19 years in a maximum-security prison after he was found guilty of a litany of corruption charges, making him the latest former defense official to be sent behind bars following a Kremlin purge of the military.
Serbia: EU poised to slash up to €1.5B in funding to Serbia over democracy fears
Politico (United States)
Serbia faces losing up to €1.5 billion in EU funding as the European Commission weighs pulling the plug over democratic backsliding and the country’s close ties with Russia.
Ukraine/Russia: Ukraine and Russia accuse each other of breaching 36-hour Orthodox Easter ceasefire
Euronews (France)
As Christian Orthodox gather to celebrate Easter Sunday in Ukraine and Russia, both accused each other of violating a Russian declared 32-hour ceasefire that is supposedly in place. According to Ukraine’s General Staff of the armed forces, by 7 AM the ceasefire had been violated by Russia 2,299 times, including assaults, shelling and small drone launches.
Ukraine/Russia: Russia, Ukraine carry out POW swap, defence ministry says
Reuters (United Kingdom)
Russia and Ukraine have carried out a prisoner of war exchange with mediation from the United Arab Emirates, with each side swapping 175 more detainees on Saturday, the Russian Defence Ministry said.
Near East
Lebanon: Lebanon digs for survivors after Israeli attack kills over 300, as surprise word of talks emerges
Associated Press (United States)
Lebanon reeled Thursday after the deadliest day of the renewed war between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group, with the death toll exceeding 300 people as more remains were pulled from rubble and bodies identified at hospitals. Meanwhile, Israel made the surprise announcement of authorizing direct talks with Lebanon, despite their lack of diplomatic ties. Israeli attacks continued. The Health Ministry said that 1,150 people were also wounded in the widespread strikes that rocked Lebanon on Wednesday, including in busy parts of Beirut. There was no immediate response to the Israeli announcement from Lebanon, which had repeatedly proposed talks to end the war, or from Hezbollah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that talks would focus on disarming Hezbollah and “establishing peaceful relations” between the countries.
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia says attacks cut oil output and East-West Pipeline flow
Reuters (United Kingdom)
Attacks on Saudi energy facilities have cut the kingdom’s oil production capacity by around 600,000 barrels per day and throughput on its East-West Pipeline by about 700,000 bpd, Saudi state news agency SPA reported on Thursday, citing an official source at the Ministry of Energy. The ministry source did not specify who launched the attacks, but Saudi Arabia has intercepted many Iranian missiles and drones in recent weeks. The latest attacks, including previous strikes on some facilities, also disrupted operations at key oil, gas, refining, petrochemical and electricity sites in Riyadh, the Eastern Province and Yanbu Industrial City, SPA said.
Iraq: Rubio says kidnapped American journalist has been released by pro-Iran militia in Iraq
CNN (United States)
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that kidnapped American journalist Shelly Kittleson has been released by a pro-Iran militia in Iraq. Kittleson was received by the Iraqi government, which is processing her travel arrangements, a senior Iraqi government official told CNN. He also stated that the government made extensive efforts to ensure her safety. Kittleson, who specializes in Middle East reporting, had been taken captive by Kataib Hezbollah, a pro-Iran militia in Iraq, last month.
Iran: US-Iran talks underway, Trump says Strait of Hormuz being cleared
Reuters (United Kingdom)
U.S. and Iranian negotiators held their highest-level talks in half a century in Pakistan on Saturday to try to end their six-week war as President Donald Trump said his military was clearing the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway, a major transit point for global energy supplies that Iran has effectively blocked but Trump has vowed to reopen, is crucial to negotiations between the sides during a ceasefire agreed last Tuesday and due to last two weeks. The U.S. military said two of its warships had passed through the strait and conditions were being set to clear mines, while Iran’s state media denied any U.S. ships had transited the waterway.
UAE/Qatar/Saudi Arabia: Zelenskyy says Ukrainian interceptors downed Iran drones in the Middle East
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that his country’s technology was used to shoot down Iranian drones in the Middle East, after he had announced last month that expert teams had been deployed to the region following the outbreak of the United States-Israeli war on Iran. In a post on X on Friday, Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian forces took part in operations using domestically produced interceptor drones against “Shahed” drones, similar to those used by Russia during its ongoing war on Ukraine.
Sub-Saharan Africa
Angola: President João Lourenço signs repressive civil society law
Human Rights Watch (United States)
Angolan President João Lourenço has signed a new law granting the government broad powers to authorize, monitor, and financially restrict NGOs under vague “security threats”. Civil society groups warn that the legislation lacks independent oversight and could be used to silence critical voices. This move follows a series of restrictive measures, including a 2024 National Security Law allowing state supervision of media and a proposed “online disinformation” bill introduced in early 2026.
Cameroon: Rising hunger and aid cuts amid conflict and climate shocks
World Food Programme (Italy)
Millions in Cameroon face deepening hunger due to conflict, displacement, and climate shocks, with nearly one in three children under five suffering from stunting. Severe funding shortages have forced the World Food Programme to slash food rations by up to 50 percent, affecting nearly 600,000 vulnerable people. This humanitarian crisis will greet Pope Leo XIV during his scheduled visit to the country for a four-nation peace tour from April 15–18.
DR Congo: DRC joins US list of third-country deportation destinations
DW News (Germany)
The Democratic Republic of Congo has reached a “temporary” deal with the Trump administration to receive migrant deportees from the U.S. who cannot be returned to their home countries. While the DRC characterizes the agreement as a commitment to “international solidarity,” the deal is also linked to broader U.S. interests, including mediating a peace deal between the DRC and Rwanda and securing access to Congolese critical minerals.
Ghana: Selection as first beneficiary of France’s National Health Platform
Ghanaian Times (Ghana)
President John Dramani Mahama secured Ghana’s selection as the first beneficiary of France’s National Health Platform during a bilateral meeting with President Macron. The two leaders also discussed the Accra Reset Initiative, which seeks to reform global frameworks for international development institutions. President Mahama noted that the Ghanaian economy has “bounced back strongly” following debt restructuring supported by both France and China.
Kenya: Defense pact with France ratified while Haiti misconduct claims are disputed
RFI (France)
Kenya’s National Assembly has ratified a five-year defense agreement with France focused on maritime security, intelligence sharing, and peacekeeping. Simultaneously, the Kenyan government has issued a formal protest against a UN report alleging its personnel committed sexual abuse and rape while serving in the Haiti mission. Foreign Minister Mudavadi dismissed the claims as “unsubstantiated,” noting that the Kenya-led mission is being phased out and replaced by a larger Gang Suppression Force.
Namibia: Government pursues long-term reparation healing in genocide talks
The Namibian (Namibia)
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced that ongoing genocide negotiations with Germany have been revised to ensure reparations support “long-term healing” rather than a single once-off payment. This shift follows the rejection of an initial €1.1 billion deal by affected communities who argued the settlement was inequitable. The government expects to reach a final conclusion before the end of 2024 to close a “dark chapter” of history.
Nigeria: Manufacturers warn of severe risks from unfolding US-Iran conflict
Vanguard News (Nigeria)
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) warns that the geopolitical conflict in the Middle East is driving up energy and freight costs, threatening the sector’s 3.1% growth target for 2026. As manufacturers struggle with high costs and unsold inventory, an Iranian negotiating team has arrived in Islamabad for critical talks with the U.S. President Trump has warned that American warships are being prepared for a potential strike if these negotiations fail.
Nigeria: Mass terrorism trials and rescue of church hostages
DW News (Germany)
The Nigerian government is currently prosecuting 500 suspected terrorists in Phase 9 of its mass trials in Abuja, which officials state is being conducted with transparency and “due process”. Concurrently, the army successfully rescued 31 hostages who were abducted during an Easter church service in Kaduna state. Despite these efforts, violence continues as bandits conduct mass kidnappings for ransom, which President Trump has characterized as a “genocide” of Christians.
Rwanda: Former FAR finance boss set for genocide trial in Paris
The New Times (Rwanda)
Cyprien Kayumba, a 71-year-old former lieutenant colonel, has been referred to the Court of Assizes in Paris for his alleged role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Kayumba is suspected of supplying weapons used in the killings while serving as the Director of Financial Services at the Rwandan defense ministry. The trial was made possible after French prosecutors appealed an earlier dismissal of the case in 2025, reaffirming France’s commitment to pursuing justice for genocide suspects on its territory.
Somalia: Federal government launches first offshore oil drilling campaign
Shabelle Media Network (Somalia)
Somalia has officially launched its first offshore oil drilling operation, partnering with Turkey to drill the Curad-1 well. Officials believe the campaign could significantly reshape regional energy dynamics and boost resource-led economic growth. However, the move has caused friction; Uganda’s military chief recently issued an ultimatum to Turkey, demanding $1 billion and threatening to close the Turkish embassy over its operations in Somalia.
South Africa: New Bill moves to strengthen whistleblower protections
SAnews (South Africa)
The South African government has introduced the Protected Disclosures Bill, a sweeping reform aimed at protecting whistleblowers from retaliation, financial ruin, and assassination. Arising from the Zondo Commission’s findings, the Bill proposes criminalizing the disclosure of a whistleblower’s identity with penalties of up to 15 years in prison. The legislation also introduces state-funded legal aid and extends witness protection to individuals from the moment of disclosure.
Uganda: Joint regional climate camera to launch into space
Nile Post (Uganda)
Uganda, Kenya, and Egypt are collaborating on ‘ClimCam’, a space-based camera designed to monitor environmental conditions and provide near real-time data for disaster preparedness. The camera, to be installed on the International Space Station, aims to improve flood and drought prediction through artificial intelligence. Highlighting the importance of the project, President Museveni warned that Africa risks being “sidelined” in the global space race unless it invests more in scientific integration.
Zimbabwe: New ZiG banknotes enter circulation amid constitutional controversy
NewZimbabwe.com (Zimbabwe)
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has rolled out the new “Big Five” ZiG banknotes and coins as part of an effort to introduce durable currency into the economy. Amidst this transition, the government has faced backlash over Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, which proposes extending presidential terms from five to seven years. Following her public condemnation of the bill, Jessie Majome was removed from her position as Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission.
South & Central Asia
Afghanistan: Afghanistan and Pakistan agree to explore a solution after weeks of fighting and hundreds of deaths
AP News (United States)
Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to “explore a comprehensive solution” after weeks of cross-border fighting in the western Chinese city of Urumqi, mediated by Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning. During these peace talks parties were able to clarify the core and priority issues with both parties determining that terrorism is a core issue impacting their relationship with neither wanting to take any actions that would escalate or complicate the conflict.
Afghanistan: U.S. Seeks Third-Country Options For Afghans Stranded In Qatar
Khaama (Afghanistan)
The United States has opened talks with at three countries, two in sub-Saharan Africa and one in Southeast Asia, as it seeks to close the costly transit facility where the Afghans have been left in limbo. Evacuees are currently being housed at Camp As Sayliyah near Doha with the camp costing more than $10 million a month to operate, and Washington wants to resolve the situation quickly. Uncertainty has grown since restrictions suspended visa issuance for Afghan nationals narrowing legal pathways for Afghans who have evacuated or were in advanced stages of U.S. processing. Furthermore, U.S. attempts in persuading Arab and Muslim countries to accept the evacuees has failed but no country has so far agreed to take the ground leaving Afghans stranded for now.
Afghanistan: Afghanistan brands China peace talks with Pakistan ‘useful’
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi said that peace talks with Pakistan have been “useful”. FM Muttaqi expressed hope that minor interpretations would not hinder the progress of the negotiations. There have been few official statements in regard to the discussions.
Bangladesh: BNP takes a different path on judicial independence
Prothom Alo (Bangladesh)
The BNP government has placed bills in the Jatiya Sangsad (national parliament) to repeal two ordinances issued during the tenure of the interim government. One on establishing an independent secretariat for the Supreme Court and another on the appointment of judges. These changes come from the party’s commitments to its 31-point reform agenda to ensure judicial independence. However, BNP’s current position appears inconsistent with the party now being accused of backtracking its earlier stance.
Bangladesh: Bangladesh minister meets Malaysian PM to strengthen labour, trade, and education ties
Prothom Alo (Bangladesh)
Ariful Haque Choudhury, minister of expatriates’ welfare and overseas employment, Government of Bangladesh called on Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the prime minister of Malaysia at his office on Thursday. Both sides held discussion on labor relations, affirming their shared commitment to ensuring a transparent, clean, and efficient recruitment system to prevent exploitation of workers. They as well discussed enhancing their bilateral trade and investment, with both parties looking to expand economic engagement.
Bhutan: Bhutan’s economy expected to maintain growth momentum, World Bank says
Kuensel (Bhutan)
Bhutan’s economic growth is projected to accelerate to 7.1% in the current fiscal year and 6.4% in 2026-27, driven by its hydropower expansion. However, the World Bank report identifies several risks to the outlook, which include youth unemployment, outward migration, and rising fuel prices due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which are affecting the country’s growth trajectory.
Bhutan: Government yet to deliver on promises for media reforms
Kuensel (Bhutan)
The government has made a slew of pledges to reform the media sector, yet little of it has been realized so far. The commitments include implementing a media protection policy, transforming the Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) into a public service broadcaster, licensing a private television channel, and providing government scholarships for journalists, among others. The country’s declining press-freedom rankings, challenges to access information, and the steady departure of experienced journalists have weakened the media sector.
India: Foreign Secretary Misri reviews defence, trade ties, West Asia with senior U.S. officials
The Hindu (India)
India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, met senior U.S. officials here and discussed ways to further deepen the defense and trade relations and exchanged views on the developments in the Indo-Pacific and West Asia.
India: Three life terms for Kashmir’s Aasiya Andrabi fit India’s ‘broader pattern’
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
Activists and legal experts have condemned an Indian court’s verdict that handed down three life sentences to prominent Kashmiri separatist Asiya Andrabi, saying the harsh sentencing of a 64-year-old woman “fits a broader pattern” of India’s policy with dissenting voices in the disputed region. She was arrested by the NIA in 2018 under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), a draconian anti-terror law, and various sections of the Indian Penal Code and was accused by the NIA of waging war against the Indian government, raising funds for terrorist acts, and being a member of a terrorist group.
Maldives: ADB: Maldives economic growth will slow down to 1% this year, inflation to rise
The Sun Online (Maldives)
The Asian Development Outlook released today by the Asian Development Bank projects a pronounced slowdown in the Maldives’ economic growth this year, due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The report estimates Maldives economic growth at just 1.0% this year, a decline from the 5.4% growth recorded in the last year due to pressure on their tourism sector, higher fuel prices, and growing pressure on the government budget.
Nepal: West Asia war forces Nepal to make tough calls
The Himalayan Times (Nepal)
The ongoing conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran have compelled Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s newly formed government to make several tough stances. Nepalis have been forced to make compromises for necessities. With small business having difficulty securing oil with the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) continuously revising petroleum prices with the NOC reporting a mounting financial loss because of rising global fuel prices.
Pakistan: How Pakistan managed to get the US and Iran to a ceasefire
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
The United States and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Pakistan being the central mediator. The breakthrough channels are being led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir. The peace talks are scheduled to begin in Islamabad, though significant tensions remain regarding the inclusion of Lebanon and the status of the Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistan: Pakistan strongly condemns Israeli aggression against Lebanon: FO
The Express Tribune (Pakistan)
Pakistan strongly condemned Israeli aggression against Lebanon, arguing that Israeli actions undermine international efforts to establish peace and stability in the region.
Pakistan: How Pakistan became an unlikely bridge between the United States and Iran
CNN (United States)
Pakistan is hosting the first direct talks between Washington and Tehran and is a pivot for a country that has dealt with its own security concerns. This breakthrough demonstrates how much Islamabad’s relationship with the White House has evolved since President Trump’s first term.
Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka records nearly 15 million local malware attacks in 2025: Kaspersky
The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)
Sri Lanka recorded 14,960,244 local malware incidents in 2025 ranking 48th globally. Data from the Kaspersky Security Network (KSN) shows that offline infection methods remain a major cybersecurity challenge, specifically in environments where shared devices are common. In the Asia-Pacific region alone, password stealers increased by 132% and spyware by 32%, which emphasizes that targeting user credentials and sensitive data has increased.
Tajikistan: “They took my money.” Increasing fraud among Tajiks looking for work in Europe
Radio Liberty (Tajikistan)
The Ministry of Labor and Migration of Tajikistan has reported an increase in cases of fraud with the promise of work abroad. This has been achieved using social media to gain the trust of citizens and embezzle their money with the promise to work abroad. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) says that in the past two years more than 350 Tajiks have complained about being scammed.
Uzbekistan: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan strengthen collaboration on critical minerals
Eurasia Net (United States)
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are striving to coordinate efforts to develop their respective reserves of critical minerals and rare earths. The two countries agreed to facilitate joint prospecting work, technology exchanges, and coordinate work to extract and refine critical minerals. Officials from both countries have pledged to combine efforts to attract foreign investment.
Western Hemisphere
Brazil: Brazil announces US partnership to intercept weapons, drug trafficking
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
On April 10th, the Brazilian government announced a new security partnership with the United States to combat criminal networks, as well as the illicit traffic of drugs and weapons. The operation will be called the DESARMA programme, and the deal acts as the latest collaboration between the administration of U.S. president Donald Trump and a government in Latin America.
Canada: Canada’s Carney Poised to Secure a Majority After Latest Defection
The New York Times (United States)
On April 8th, the Liberal Party of Canada almost reached a parliamentary majority due to an opposition lawyer joining the party. Led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, the party has gained popularity, raising massive support and gaining new members. Carney has been a large source of the popularity: 60% of Canadians support him and his policies, which include standing up to Trump’s economic and political threats and calling for middle-power nations to lead the new international order. While the official elections are still far away, it looks like the Liberal Party may gain majority any day now.
Canada: Canada pushing for Lebanon inclusion into ceasefire deal: source
CBC News Canada (Canada)
On April 9th, Prime Minister Mark Carney, during a news conference, called for the Israel-Iran ceasefire to include Lebanon, a sentiment both Pakistan and Australia have echoed. Since February 28th, Iran and Israel have been entrenched in conflict, and most of the fighting has happened in Lebanon. Pakistan has acted as a mediator, creating the current ceasefire negotiations, and has claimed that Lebanon was included in the discussions. The death toll in Lebanon has reached more than 250 people and a civil war is predicted, leading Prime Minister Mark Carney to call for a ceasefire. He labeled Israel’s actions as an “illegal takeover”.
Columbia: Colombia responds to Ecuador’s tariff hike with 100-percent import tax
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
On April 10th, the Colombia’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism has announced it will raise tariffs on neighboring Ecuador to 100 percent from 30 percent. The sum will match the rate Ecuador set a day earlier amid an escalating trade and diplomatic spat between the two countries. In recent months Ecuador has hiked tariffs against Columbia, citing a trade deficit and accusing the other country of not doing enough to fight drug trafficking – an accusation Columbia has denied.
Costa Rica: Costa Rica Designates Iran’s IRGC as a Terrorist Organization
The Tico Times (Costa Rica)
On April 8th, Costa Rica joined many European and Latin American countries in labeling Iran’s IRGC group as a terrorist organization. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is a branch of armed forces that possess significant military, economic, and political power and has already been condemned by the European Union. Costa Rica announces this move as a step towards strengthening prevention, investigation, and criminal prosecution. The move also aligns the nation with the West, who has become focused on security and cracking down on terrorist groups.
Cuba: Cuban president tells NBC he won’t resign under US pressure, as Russia backs old ally
The Guardian (United Kingdom)
On April 9th, Cuban president Miguel Diaz-Canel said he would not resign under US pressure in his first television interview with an American broadcaster, while Russia insisted it would never abandon or betray its ally. As tensions between Cuba and the United States continue to simmer, Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov visited Cuba on Thursday, holding talks with Diaz-Canel and stating that Russia had no intentions of walking away from its interests in the Western Hemisphere, according to Russian news agencies.
Honduras: US court dismisses appeal from former Honduran president Hernandez
Reuters (United Kingdom)
On April 8th, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit officially ruled to dismiss the appeal and vacate the judgment of the district court of Honduras’s former president, Juan Orlando Hernandez. The decision comes after President Trump’s pardon, which became the basis of Hernandez’s appeal. He was originally charged with conspiring to smuggle tons of cocaine in the U.S., which has now been vacated on the grounds of mootness.
Panama: Panama president seeks to calm China tensions
Reuters (United Kingdom)
On April 9th, the Panamanian president released a statement, urging reconciliation with China and denying any claims of “political retaliation”. The statement comes after statements made by the Panamanian foreign minister, Javier Martinez-Acha, who strongly condemned China for capturing Panama’s vessels for inspection. The sudden uptick in inspections has come after a Panamanian court ruled against Chinese company CK Hutchinson, handing control of the Balboa and Cristobal trade channels to Panama. While the U.S. and Martinez-Acha link these two incidents together and condemn China, Jose Raul Molina, Panama’s president, has argued differently, announcing hopes to settle the tension with China. He did not comment on the second arbitration case CK Hutchinson has brought forth.
Peru: Peru faces record field in election, corruption and crime top voter concerns
Reuters (United Kingdom)
Peruvians head to the polls on April 12th, hoping to break a cycle of political turmoil that has prevented any president from completing a full term over the past decade, amid corruption scandals, rising crime and voter frustration. A record 35 candidates are running in the election, with none polling above 15%, making a runoff on June 7th almost certain according to analysts. Opinion polls show right-wing contender Keiko Fujimori and populist outsider Carlos Alvarez as the top two competitors currently.
Trinidad and Tobago: Trinidad’s prime minister escalates feud with Caribbean neighbors over US policy in the region
AP News (United States)
On April 10th, Trinidad’s ongoing row with its Caribbean neighbors over United States policy toward international drug trafficking and Venezuela boiled over into a full-scale verbal war with the prime minister demanding the exit of CARICOM’s secretary-general after her term ends in August. CARICOM, a 15-member regional trade bloc, experienced tensions late last year when governments denounced U.S. military action in the South Caribbean. While regional neighbors previously called for the Caribbean to remain a “zone of peace”, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar dismissed the label as “zone of peace fakery” and threw her support behind the U.S. Trump administration.
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.