LA protests: Arrests made as clashes continue into 3rd night – DW – 06/09/2025
06/09/2025
June 9, 2025 Trump's travel ban takes effect
The travel ban also includes citizens of Haiti, a majority Christian country Image: Rebecca Blackwell/AP Photo/picture alliance
US President Donald Trump's new travel ban took effect Monday, with citizens from 12 countries barred from entering the US.
Trump signed the proclamation that applies to citizens from the following countries: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.
The administration is also imposing heightened restrictions on people from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela who are outside the US and don't hold a valid visa.
Trump enacted a similar policy when he was president the first time and in 2017 initially targeted citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries.
That ban was reversed by President Joe Biden.
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DW
22 minutes ago
- DW
US military adjusts Africa strategy – DW – 06/10/2025
The US military is urging African countries to be more responsible for their security as the Trump administration focuses on domestic policies. But could the move fuel militant groups and undo counterterrorism progress? Africa should take greater ownership of its own security challenges. That was the message recently communicated by Gen. Michael Langley, head of US Africa Command (USAFRICOM). The unit is part of the US Department of Defense and is responsible for all Department of Defense operations and security cooperation on the African continent. The announcement comes as the United States rethinks its military strategy in Africa, signaling a significant shift in its approach to security on the continent. This adjustment aligns with a broader strategic pivot under the Trump administration, which is prioritizing homeland security and a leaner, more lethal military force, while reducing the US military footprint overseas, including in Africa. But could it mean for the continent? Africa's global relevance Africa is strategically important to European countries and the United States for its growing population and vast natural resources. "Africa is a strategic partner with a large and growing youth population — projected to double by 2045 according to the African Economic Outlook," Adib Saani, a foreign policy and security analyst told DW. "The continent is rich, holding vast mineral resources and strategic reserves like uranium that both Western and Eastern countries heavily rely on." The continent is also home to 11 of the world's 20 fastest-growing economies in 2024. "The US and others engage with Africa not just out of goodwill but because these resources are vital for running industries worldwide," Saani said. "This makes the relationship mutually beneficial — a win-win for Africa and the rest of the world." However, the Trump administration's defense strategy has shifted focus away from protecting the US from threats emanating from abroad, including countering terrorist organizations such as the "Islamic State" (IS) militant group and al-Qaeda, which have expanded their presence and capabilities in Africa. How USAID cuts are fueling Africa's humanitarian crises To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'Sharing the burden' of security operations Previously, US military efforts in Africa combined defense, diplomacy, and development. "America has been a close partner in countering violent extremism, especially in Eastern and West Africa,' Saani explained. "We have relied heavily on US logistics, training, and intelligence sharing to address these threats. In terms of human security, the US hasalso contributed through USAID and other programs that have helped lift many out of poverty." US Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley said the military's priorities now focus on homeland protection. He instead encouraged "burden sharing" with African partners. He said the goal is to build local military capacity to enable independent operations and reduce reliance on US forces. This shift was evident during the 25th African Lion joint military exercise. The annual event is the largest military exercise on the continent and emphasizes combined air, land and sea operations with more than 40 participating nations. It lacked the US-led efforts usually apparent and instead focused on collaboration and cooperation. Historically, the US has played in a major role in security operations on the continent, including in Somalia Image: Senior Airman Kristin Savage/Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa/AP Photo/picture alliance What could reduced US involvement mean? Yet foreign policy analyst Adib Saani warns that a diminished US presence could create a power vacuum, emboldening militant networks and undermining years of counter-terrorism efforts. "If the US withdraws its support, it would hit us hard. It could embolden terrorists to carry out more lethal and audacious attacks, knowing there is no major power backing our fight. This would also dampen the morale of our soldiers who face these threats daily, and place significant economic pressure on affected countries." USAFRICOM currently deploys roughly 6,500 personnel across Africa and has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in security assistance. With that gone, Saani worries that Africa will not be able to be fully indipendent when it comes to security: "It will be difficult in terms of logistics and technology — we are simply not there yet. Security is a shared responsibility and works best when it involves multiple actors. In my opinion, Africa cannot do it alone." Exploiting Africa — the hunt for raw materials To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Russia and China step in African countries will need to look for other allies – both new and old, say experts. China has already launched extensive military training programs for African forces, replicating aspects of the US military model, while Russian mercenariesestablish themselves as key security partners in North, West, and Central Africa. "China'sapproach in the past has mainly been economic," Saani explained. The US, he points out, has primarily focused on military support, in addition to economic help. "The Russians have strong presence with both economic and military involvement. It feels like everyone is competing for attention. The clear message is that there's a need to diversify partnerships. We can't rely solely on the US; we may also need to engage with the Russians and others." Niger: US military operations across the Sahel are at risk To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Can succeed alone? Some voices say that the lack of US support could be a wake-up call for African countries that forces them to consider their own resources and rise to the challenge. African nations can now take the opportunity to review their security resources, Saani says, and collaborate more closely. "Building up our defense industry is also critical. This means developing industrial capacity and enhancing the capabilities of our armed forces," adds the analyst. "We also need to tackle corruption to ensure that funds are not getting lost in people's pockets but are instead used to improve people's lives."
Int'l Business Times
6 hours ago
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Elon Musk's Net Worth Drops by $34B After Feud With Trump
Elon Musk suffered a staggering $34 billion loss in personal wealth on Thursday following a heated public dispute with President Donald Trump. Tesla shares plummeted 14.3% during Thursday's trading session, erasing approximately $150 billion from the electric vehicle company's market value. This massive loss translated to a $34 billion drop in Musk's net worth, marking the second-largest single-day drop ever recorded in the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Despite this massive loss, Musk retained his position as the wealthiest individual globally, with his net worth falling to $334.5 billion. The drop in net worth came after Musk publicly criticized Trump's signature "Big Beautiful Bill," calling the GOP legislation a "disgusting abomination" and urging Republican lawmakers to reject it due to concerns about budget deficits. "I'm sorry, but I just can't stand it anymore," Musk wrote on his social media platform X. "This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination. Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it." Trump responded during a White House meeting on Thursday, expressing disappointment with Musk's opposition and suggesting the billionaire was upset about potential cuts to electric vehicle tax subsidies. "Elon and I had a wonderful relationship. I'm not sure if that will remain," Trump told reporters . The president later threatened on Truth Social to "terminate Elon's Governmental Subsidies and Contracts," referencing the billions in government contracts held by Musk's companies, particularly SpaceX. Musk fired back on his social media platform X, claiming he was responsible for Trump's 2024 election victory and accusing the president of having connections to Jeffrey Epstein. The Tesla CEO also threatened to decommission SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, though he later walked back that statement. The public feud represents a dramatic deterioration of what was once a close alliance. Musk had invested nearly $300 million supporting Trump's presidential campaign and served as head of the Department of Government Efficiency before stepping down last week. Tesla's stock decline occurred during heavy trading volume, with approximately 100 million shares changing hands. The company's market capitalization remains around $1 trillion, making it the world's most valuable automaker despite recent losses. This marks Musk's second-worst single-day wealth loss on record. His previous largest drop occurred in November 2021 when he lost $50 billion after posting a Twitter poll about selling Tesla stock. Originally published on Enstarz Elon musk Donald trump Tesla
Int'l Business Times
6 hours ago
- Int'l Business Times
Trump dismisses Greta Thunberg's kidnapping claim after Gaza aid vessel interception
Donald Trump's reaction to a recent incident involving Greta Thunberg has sparked questions online about his stance on the activist's claims. While Thunberg states she was 'kidnapped' by Israeli forces, Trump dismissed the idea as unlikely and unnecessary - reflecting scepticism about her account. Earlier this month, Greta Thunberg climbed aboard the aid vessel Madleen, part of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, aiming to deliver supplies to Gaza. The ship, which has drawn global attention since it set off from Italy, was around 185 km away from its destination when it was intercepted early in the morning by Israeli navy units near Ashdod. Israeli officials said they boarded the vessel after repeated warnings to turn back, citing the long-standing naval blockade of Gaza. At roughly 100 nautical miles from their destination, upon interception the ship was still in international waters. Thunberg and other activists, including European Parliament member Rima Hassan, stated they were 'kidnapped' during the interception. In a prerecorded video, Thunberg stated she had been taken by Israeli forces while in international waters. Her supporters accused Israel of violating international law by confiscating aid supplies such as food, baby formula, and medical kits. Thunberg's comments added fuel to the ongoing controversy over Israel's actions in Gaza. Trump's Response: Dismissing the Kidnapping Claim When asked if he discussed Thunberg's situation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump responded dismissively. He called Thunberg 'a strange person' and 'an angry person,' suggesting her behaviour was unbalanced. He then said, 'I think she has to go to an anger management class,' implying that, in his opinion, her emotional state was questionable. The reporter pressed further, asking Trump if he believed Thunberg had been kidnapped. Trump shook his head and said, 'I think Israel has enough problems without kidnapping Greta.' This blunt remark indicates that Trump considers her kidnapping claim unlikely. He also implied that Israel's current difficulties are sufficient without adding accusations of kidnapping a young activist. Context and Broader Implications Freedom Flotilla (Via Greta Thunberg Instagram) Israeli authorities insisted that everyone aboard the vessel was unharmed after the interception. From their accounts, they claim that they offered the activists food and water and assured their safe return to their home countries. The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the passengers had been detained temporarily and would be repatriated. The flotilla organisers argued that their mission was peaceful and aimed at raising awareness of Gaza's humanitarian crisis, which has worsened dramatically since October. Al Jazeera reports that over 54,000 Palestinians have died and over 125,000 have been wounded in the conflict since then, according to Gaza's Ministry of Health. What Do the Public and Officials Say? The Israeli Foreign Ministry dismissed the kidnapping claim, stating that all aboard the boat were fine and that the operation was lawful. Meanwhile, Thunberg posted a video on Instagram reiterating her stance that the world cannot remain silent while she described the situation as a 'livestream genocide'. Her supporters see her as a symbol of global solidarity, while critics question her accounts and motives. Originally published on IBTimes UK
