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21 Major Global News Stories American Media Isn't Covering
With campaign chaos, courtroom drama, and climate disasters dominating US headlines, it's easy to miss how rapidly the rest of the world is evolving, let alone what those shifts could mean for us. From trade wars and tech crackdowns to diplomatic shakeups and human rights backslides, global power is being renegotiated in real time. In this edition, I've pulled together 21 international stories you probably didn't see in your feed — along with context on why they matter, what they reveal, and where they might be heading: Trump has nominated Nick Adams, a self-described "alpha male" conservative influencer from Australia, as the next US ambassador to Malaysia, sparking outrage in the Muslim-majority nation. Adams, who became a naturalized US citizen after immigrating in 2012, has built a following through inflammatory social media posts, misogynistic remarks, and vocal support for Israel. Malaysian officials have denounced the appointment as an "insult," with one calling Adams "an extreme right-wing propagandist, a Trumpist and vocal supporter of Israel's Zionist regime" whose rhetoric is "full of hatred, racism and Islamophobic sentiments." Adams has previously claimed that Trump's opponents sought to "teach Islam in schools" and has regularly courted controversy with his provocative online presence. The nomination has alarmed Southeast Asian diplomats who see Trump prioritizing political loyalty over diplomatic expertise. Why it matters: Adams's nomination shows how Trump's habit of rewarding online loyalists is quietly reshaping America's diplomatic corps. While his domestic picks dominate headlines, these embassy appointments directly shape how the US is perceived abroad. Malaysia, a key trading partner along shipping routes that carry 25% of global trade, has already denounced the choice — a rare public rejection that underscores how Trump's approach to diplomacy is damaging US credibility in a region increasingly pulled between Washington and Malaysia lashes out at Trump's pick of 'Zionist' envoy Nick Adams: 'not welcome here' [South China Morning Post] In a major reversal, President Trump announced that the US will send billions of dollars' worth of weapons to Ukraine, including Patriot air defense systems, via NATO, while also threatening secondary sanctions and 100% tariffs on countries that continue buying Russian oil, giving a 50-day window for Moscow to agree to a peace deal. The announcement comes after months of Trump's attempts at direct talks with Putin and amid growing frustration over Russia's continued attacks. Ukrainian and European officials cautiously welcomed the shift, while financial analysts noted that the delay gives Russia room to maneuver diplomatically and economically. Why it matters: Trump's about-face marks a pivotal shift in US strategy and suggests that even his "America First" agenda has limits as Russia's war drags on. The weapons deal and threat of secondary sanctions could upend battlefield dynamics and global trade, especially if China and India are pushed to rethink their oil imports from the delay gives Moscow some breathing room, it shows just how hard it is to pressure Putin without destabilizing energy markets. This shift could redefine not only the war effort but also America's role in NATO, the global sanctions regime, and the future of oil In reversal, Trump arms Ukraine and threatens sanctions on countries that buy Russian oil [Reuters] A new Senate Foreign Relations Committee report says China is rapidly filling the diplomatic and humanitarian void left by deep US retrenchment under the Trump administration. Since January, the US has slashed billions in foreign aid, gutted USAID, and laid off thousands of State Department staff, all while promoting an "America First" agenda. In the wake of those cuts, China has stepped in with food aid, health supplies, infrastructure investment, and high-profile diplomatic visits, especially in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. From HIV testing kits in Zambia to railroad deals in Vietnam, the report details dozens of examples where Beijing is expanding its global influence as Washington pulls back. Why it matters: While the Trump administration frames the cuts as trimming waste and putting "America First," they've resulted in a power vacuum that China is quickly filling. Through infrastructure deals, vaccine shipments, and food donations, China is steadily cementing long-term influence in regions central to global supply chains, military access, and future erosion of US foreign aid also chips away at two of America's biggest assets: national security and soft power. Foreign assistance has long been a tool to shape global norms, secure trade access, and project stability without firing a shot. As the US pulls back, it loses leverage in trade deals, multilateral negotiations, and peacekeeping, especially as other nations grow more aligned with the cost-cutting rhetoric, the blowback could be felt domestically. Foreign aid often opens markets for US businesses and helps stabilize regions that would otherwise require costly military or emergency intervention. Walking away now could mean fewer trade opportunities, more global volatility, and a lasting decline in American influence, all while China quietly builds China steps in as US pulls back from diplomacy, report says [Reuters] In a rare coordinated rebuke, 27 former EU ambassadors to the Middle East and North Africa have issued an open letter urging the European Union to suspend its trade agreement with Israel, citing alleged war crimes in Gaza, illegal settlement expansion, and the treatment of Palestinians. While the letter condemns Hamas's October 7 attack, it criticizes the EU's "reluctance to take serious action" in response to Israel's military operations and aid restrictions in Gaza, which, the ambassadors argue, violate international law and humanitarian principles. It also faults the EU for failing to follow through on its own review finding "indications" that Israel has breached its human rights obligations, and warns that the bloc's current posture risks exposing a double standard, particularly given its stance on Russia's war in Ukraine. The intervention comes days before EU foreign ministers are scheduled to meet in Brussels to consider potential action. Why it matters: This is a striking rebuke, not from activists or fringe figures but from seasoned diplomats who helped shape EU policy in the region. The letter puts real institutional pressure on the bloc to close the gap between its values and its actions. It also comes at a time when the EU is already facing criticism for what many see as a double standard — defending international law in Ukraine while hesitating to confront Israel. That perceived hypocrisy has fueled frustration in the Global South and increasingly strained the West's moral letter also targets the humanitarian aid system co-managed by Israel and the US, which could spark tensions between allies if Europe decides to take a harder line. More than anything, it points to a larger trend. Gaza is becoming a global fault line, exposing growing divides inside Western institutions and forcing a reckoning with long-standing diplomatic EU's 'reluctance' to act over Israel criticised by 27 former ambassadors [Euronews] Malaysia has imposed mandatory trade permits for all high-performance AI chips from the US, requiring 30 days' advance notice for any exports, transshipments, or transits through the country. The move comes as Malaysia scrambles to negotiate down Trump's 25% tariffs set to kick in August 1, part of broader levies hitting Southeast Asian nations with rates ranging from 20% to 40%. The chip permit requirement follows allegations that four Chinese engineers traveled to Malaysia in March, used local data centers packed with advanced Nvidia chips to train an AI model, then returned the data to China, potentially circumventing US export controls. Malaysia's trade ministry warned it would take "strict legal action" against attempts to skirt export controls and said all entities must comply with international obligations to avoid secondary sanctions. Why it matters: Malaysia is now scrambling on two fronts: tightening chip controls to show it's not enabling China's workarounds, while also trying to negotiate down Trump's steep new tariffs, which were framed around trade deficits, not technology. Allegations that Chinese engineers trained AI models on US-made Nvidia chips in Malaysian data centers reveal just how creative Beijing has become. This workaround underscores why the US needs allies not only to block chip sales but to actively police what happens after the chips leave American hands. As the global AI supply chain becomes a geopolitical battleground, Malaysia's new permit system shows how smaller nations are being forced to choose sides in a much bigger tech Malaysia imposes trade permits for US-linked AI chip shipments [South China Morning Post] Australia has refused to commit in advance to backing the US in a potential conflict with China over Taiwan, with senior officials stressing that any decision to go to war would rest with the sitting government. The statement follows reports that the US is pressuring allies like Australia and Japan to outline their positions on a hypothetical conflict as part of broader AUKUS (Australia, UK, and US) defense talks. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed the US's own stance of "strategic ambiguity" on Taiwan and emphasized Australia's support for regional peace, while Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy underscored the country's sovereignty in military decisions. The comments come during Albanese's visit to China and amid a US review of the AUKUS submarine pact — both unfolding against a backdrop of rising strategic tensions in the Indo-Pacific. Why it matters: As US-China relations grow more volatile, Washington is looking to shore up its alliances. However, Australia's stance reflects how even close partners are wary of being pulled into a future conflict. The situation exposes a key fault line in the AUKUS pact, which is not only about sharing submarines and tech but strategic alignment. Albanese and Conroy's comments ultimately serve as a reminder that the Indo-Pacific balance of power is shifting, and that allies navigating their own relationships with China may not always move in lockstep with American Australia rebuffs calls to commit to joining hypothetical US–China conflict [The Guardian] Sweden's Migration Minister Johan Forssell publicly confirmed this week that his 16-year-old son had been involved with violent far-right groups, following an alert from the national security service. The teen allegedly tried to recruit peers into a white supremacist organization and participated in activities with the neo-Nazi group Aktivklubb Sverige, according to Expo magazine. Though Forssell said his son is remorseful and no longer involved, the revelation has triggered political fallout, especially given that Forssell's Moderate Party governs with support from the far-right Sweden Democrats — a party with roots in white nationalist movements. Opposition lawmakers are now demanding Forssell appear before parliament. However, many observers have praised the minister for addressing the situation head-on and acknowledging the broader issue of youth radicalization. Why it matters: The radicalization of Forssell's son lays bare how far-right extremism isn't confined to the political fringe — it can surface even in the homes of the people tasked with shaping democratic policy. The fact that Sweden's migration minister is both aligned with a far-right-backed government and grappling with extremism within his own family underscores how deeply these ideologies have penetrated mainstream society. It spotlights a familiar challenge: the online radicalization of young men, often in plain sight, and the political reluctance to confront far-right violence with the same urgency as other threats. It also echoes broader debates about political normalization, parental responsibility, and the real-world cost of platforming Swedish migration minister 'shocked and horrified' by teenage son's far-right links [Euronews] With President Trump's 50% copper tariff set to kick in on August 1, global traders are scrambling to reroute shipments that won't clear US customs in time. Many are now turning to China, the world's biggest copper buyer, and offering cargoes at a discount, with sellers redirecting thousands of tons initially bound for the US. The surge has already pushed down the Yangshan premium — a benchmark for China-bound copper — by 5%. Why it matters: Trump's new tariff is already reshaping global supply chains in real time. Traders who spent months routing copper to the US are now scrambling to reroute unsold shipments, offering steep discounts to Chinese buyers to avoid missing the August 1 deadline. The last-minute pivot highlights how quickly protectionist policies can ripple across markets and inadvertently hand pricing power to competitors. It's also a reminder of China's endurance as the world's top commodity consumer, and how US tariffs meant to protect domestic industry can end up strengthening strategic rivals. Moreover, the copper scramble raises broader questions about inflation, industrial policy, and what a politically driven global economy looks like when every shipping lane becomes a pressure Copper traders look to Chinese buyers in post Trump-tariff world [Reuters] The UK and France are finalizing a "one in, one out" migration deal that would allow Britain to return up to 50 asylum seekers per week — mostly those who arrive via small boats across the English Channel — back to France. In exchange, the UK would formally resettle an equal number of asylum seekers currently in France who have verified family ties in Britain. The agreement is part of a larger push to curb illegal Channel crossings, a longstanding flashpoint between the two countries. It would also expand UK financial support for French policing efforts, including drone surveillance, and test the legal limits of immigration enforcement in both countries. If the pilot succeeds, officials say it could be scaled up significantly. Why it matters: This is the latest in a growing trend of bilateral migration deals — often framed as cooperative deterrence but drawing criticism for externalizing asylum processing and displacing responsibility. While the numbers are small, the symbolism is big: this would mark the first formal UK–EU migration coordination since Brexit, potentially laying groundwork for future alignment. It also mirrors policies being tested in the US, like third-country agreements and offshore asylum pacts, making it a bellwether for how liberal democracies are recalibrating asylum norms under political UK and France set to unveil 'one in, one out' migration deal to combat small boat crossings [Euronews] India's aviation regulator has ordered all airlines operating Boeing aircraft to inspect cockpit fuel switches after a preliminary report on last month's deadly Air India crash revealed that fuel to both engines was cut off seconds after takeoff. The early findings suggest the engines were starved of fuel, either due to human error, sabotage, or a potential failure of the switch locking mechanisms. Boeing hasn't been formally implicated, but the FAA issued an advisory in 2018 warning that some fuel switches may have been installed with their locking features disengaged. Investigators emphasized that the cause remains undetermined, and Air India urged against speculation. Nevertheless, scrutiny is mounting as global carriers begin their own inspections. Why it matters: While the investigation is still ongoing, the crash and the questions now surrounding Boeing's cockpit systems revive lingering concerns about aircraft safety and accountability, particularly following past high-profile incidents involving Boeing. The 787 Dreamliner is widely used by global airlines, giving any design flaw or maintenance oversight far-reaching implications. Source: Indian regulator orders airlines to check Boeing fuel switches after plane crash report [The Guardian] France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, and Greece are testing a new age verification app designed to protect children online, the European Commission announced Monday. Built using the same technical foundation as the EU's forthcoming Digital Identity Wallet, the app aims to help platforms comply with the bloc's Digital Services Act — landmark legislation that requires companies like Meta, TikTok, and X to curb harmful content and addictive design features. The pilot comes amid mounting global concern over social media's impact on kids' mental health, with EU regulators investigating whether top platforms are doing enough to protect minors. Why it matters: If this pilot is successful, the EU's age verification model could become a blueprint for how platforms — and governments — handle online identity, not only for children but potentially for broader use in areas such as healthcare, travel, and voting. It also signals a shift in how liability is assigned. Rather than asking parents or kids to police their screen time, lawmakers are now forcing tech companies to redesign their systems from the ground EU has often led the way on digital regulation (see: GDPR). If this model proves to be workable, it could reshape how platforms function globally, especially if it gives compliant European apps a competitive edge over US tech giants. Source: Five EU states to test age verification app to protect children [Reuters] Bhutan has become the world's first country to launch a nationwide, government-backed cryptocurrency payment system for tourists, allowing visitors to pay for everything from visa fees to hotel rooms using digital currencies. More than 1,000 vendors now accept crypto payments through Binance Pay, up from just 100 two months ago, with QR codes appearing in shops, restaurants, and even ancient dzongs. The Bhutanese government has been mining bitcoin since 2018 using its abundant hydroelectric power, accumulating $1.28 billion in holdings that now rank fifth globally. In 2023, Bhutan sold $100 million worth of bitcoin to fund a 50% salary increase for civil servants, dramatically reducing government worker resignations. Officials hope the crypto payment system will attract tech-savvy tourists and digital nomads to help boost tourism from 5% to 20% of the economy, while the government has halved its daily tourist fee to $100 to encourage more visitors. Why it matters: Bhutan's crypto experiment offers a compelling look at how small nations can harness emerging technology to punch above their weight economically. By turning its natural advantage — cheap, clean hydropower — into large-scale bitcoin mining, Bhutan has quietly built one of the world's biggest government crypto reserves. Now, it's using that foundation to reinvent its tourism industry and tackle domestic challenges like retaining civil servants. Source: Bhutan's big crypto tourism push aims to revolutionise Himalayan travel [South China Morning Post] Ursula von der Leyen and her European Commission narrowly held onto power after surviving a no-confidence vote in the European Parliament. The motion, led by far-right and nationalist lawmakers, failed to gain traction, with 175 MEPs voting in favor and 360 against, falling short of the two-thirds threshold. But while von der Leyen stays in office, the vote exposed deep fractures within the centrist coalition that supported her reappointment last year. The Greens and Socialists expressed frustration over her rightward pivot and her cozying up to conservative figures like Italy's Giorgia Meloni. With the next EU budget proposal due this week — and Ukraine aid, environmental reforms, and social funds all in the crosshairs — von der Leyen faces an uphill battle to rebuild trust. Why it matters: As president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen leads the EU's executive branch — a role that puts her at the center of policymaking on Ukraine, climate, trade, and digital regulation. While the no-confidence vote fell far short, it surfaced real frustration from lawmakers who once supported her reappointment, including Greens and Socialists who now accuse her of drifting right and sidelining Parliament. This tension could complicate key upcoming decisions, including a new EU budget and continued support for Von der Leyen's EU Commission survives Parliament confidence vote [Euronews] Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert called Israel's proposed "humanitarian city" in Gaza a potential "concentration camp" and warned that forcing Palestinians into such a space would amount to ethnic cleansing. In a striking interview with The Guardian, Olmert accused the Netanyahu government of committing war crimes in Gaza and the West Bank, and said its extremist ministers posed a greater threat to Israel than any external enemy. He also condemned settler violence in the West Bank, described government-backed rhetoric as a cover for forced displacement, and urged stronger international pressure in the face of escalating atrocities. Despite backing the initial military response to October 7, Olmert now says the war has crossed into something else, and that continued global support for Israel can't be taken for granted. Why it matters: Olmert's comments are extraordinary not just for their content, but for their source. As a former Israeli leader and longtime centrist, he reflects a broader — and growing — disquiet within Israeli society. His warnings arrive as the West faces increasing scrutiny over its support for Israel's military campaign, and as debates about red lines, accountability, and the meaning of "never again" take center stage broadly, the proposed "humanitarian city" echoes the language of benevolence historically used to justify segregation, forced transfer, and other rights abuses. Coming amid international legal investigations and mounting death tolls, this moment is testing how far Israel's allies are willing to go to defend a war that some former leaders now openly 'Humanitarian city' would be concentration camp for Palestinians, says former Israeli PM [The Guardian] For the first time since 2020, India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar traveled to Beijing and told his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, that lifting "restrictive trade measures" — especially on critical tech and rare earth materials — is key to restoring normal ties between the two nations. India and China share a disputed 2,400-mile border and have been in a military standoff since a deadly border clash four years ago. While recent negotiations have slightly eased tensions, Jaishankar emphasized that real progress depends on troop withdrawals and fewer trade barriers. Wang struck a conciliatory tone, urging both sides to "properly handle differences" and build mutual trust. Why it matters: While the meeting between Chinese and Indian foreign ministers signals progress on peace talks, its stakes go well beyond the border. The two countries are edging toward a new era of "practical cooperation" on trade, supply chains, and rare earth minerals — the backbone of EVs, semiconductors, and defense tech. India, which holds the world's fifth-largest rare earth reserves, is actively positioning itself as a counterweight to China's dominance and ramping up domestic output. A warmer Beijing-New Delhi relationship could reshape not just regional diplomacy but the global tech race, with ripple effects across everything from chip production to geopolitical power in the Avoiding trade curbs vital for normalisation of ties, India tells China [Reuters] In July 1995, more than 8,000 Bosniak men and boys were murdered by Bosnian Serb forces, in what remains Europe's only legally recognized genocide since the Holocaust. Thousands gathered this week in the town of Srebrenica to mark the 30th anniversary of the massacre, held in a UN-declared "safe area" that international peacekeepers ultimately failed to defend. Seven newly identified victims were buried at the memorial cemetery in Potočari, bringing the total number of interred victims to more than 6,700. About 1,000 people are still missing. Dozens of individuals — including top wartime leaders Radovan Karadžić and Ratko Mladić — have been convicted of crimes related to the killings. Why it matters: Srebrenica has become both a symbol of Europe's post-Cold War reckoning and a test case for the international community's willingness — or failure — to prevent atrocity. The genocide happened within a UN-protected zone, and despite subsequent trials and convictions, the slow pace of justice and continued denialism in some quarters have fueled tensions in the Balkans ever since. The anniversary comes at a time of renewed global focus on ethnic violence, transitional justice, and the erosion of multilateral norms, forcing a reckoning with the limits of international protection and the long shadow of Thousands gather to mark the 30th anniversary of genocide in Srebrenica [Euronews] A new UNAIDS report warns that key populations at higher risk for HIV — including gay men, transgender people, sex workers, and people who inject drugs — are facing record levels of criminalization globally, reversing years of progress. Countries like Mali, Uganda, Trinidad, and Tobago have introduced or reinstated laws targeting LGBTQ+ communities, while the Middle East and North Africa have seen a 94% spike in new HIV cases since 2010. Meanwhile, abrupt US aid cuts (including the suspension of funding through PEPFAR) have devastated prevention programs across Africa. Nigeria, for example, saw the number of people receiving HIV-prevention drugs drop from 43,000 to under 6,000 in just five months. Activists warn that the combination of legal crackdowns and vanishing international support is pushing the global AIDS response to a breaking point. Why it matters: The global fight against HIV/AIDS has long relied on a fragile balance of medical advances, international cooperation, and political will, and that balance is tipping. UNAIDS warns that record levels of criminalization targeting LGBTQ+ people and other high-risk groups, combined with abrupt US funding cuts, are threatening decades of hard-won progress. Much of the global response has depended on PEPFAR, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief — a landmark US initiative launched in 2003 under President George W. Bush and widely regarded as one of the most successful global health programs in history. But in 2023–2024, its reauthorization became politically contentious, with conservative lawmakers falsely accusing it of supporting abortion access resulting funding freeze gutted programs crucial for HIV prevention, testing, and treatment, especially for marginalized communities that already face stigma and legal risk. As countries ramp up punitive laws and US support evaporates, the gap left behind is already costing lives. Source: High-risk HIV groups facing record levels of criminalisation as countries bring in draconian laws [The Guardian] Pakistan has announced the creation of a new nationwide paramilitary force, the Federal Constabulary, just weeks before the party of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan plans to stage mass protests on August 5, the anniversary of his arrest. The move rebrands and expands the existing Frontier Constabulary, previously a regional force near the Afghan border, into a body tasked with internal security, riot control, and counter-terrorism across the country. Officials say the move is necessary for national stability, but critics — including human rights groups and opposition leaders — warn it may be a tool to suppress dissent. Ousted in 2022 and jailed in 2023 on corruption charges, Khan maintains his prosecutions are politically motivated. His party, which remains wildly popular, has faced sweeping crackdowns since his arrest. Why it matters: Pakistan's increasingly repressive tactics reveal a deeper democratic backslide in a nuclear-armed US ally that borders Afghanistan, China, and India. The timing of Pakistan's new paramilitary force — just weeks ahead of nationwide protests planned by Imran Khan's party — is raising red flags among opposition leaders and human rights groups. The protests, set for August 5, will mark two years since Khan's 2023 arrest on corruption charges, a turning point that sparked widespread unrest and a heavy-handed state crackdown. By expanding the Frontier Constabulary into a federal force with broad powers over riot control and internal security, the government is signaling a more centralized and potentially more repressive approach to political dissent. Critics say the move echoes previous crackdowns, in which thousands of PTI supporters were detained and peaceful demonstrations were met with waning US influence in the region, Pakistan remains a major non-NATO ally, and its political stability has ripple effects across South Asia, particularly as it navigates tensions with both the Taliban and an increasingly assertive Pakistan to create new paramilitary force ahead of more protests by Imran Khan's party [Reuters] South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended his police minister, Senzo Mchunu, and launched a high-level judicial inquiry into allegations that top law enforcement officials have colluded with criminal syndicates. The move follows shocking public accusations from KwaZulu-Natal's provincial police chief, who claims Mchunu and Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya interfered with sensitive investigations, including politically motivated killings allegedly orchestrated by drug cartels. A key crime-fighting unit was reportedly disbanded after it uncovered connections between organized crime and politicians, police, prosecutors, and even judges. However, critics say Ramaphosa's move to suspend — not fire — Mchunu falls short of real accountability. Why it matters: This scandal exposes the extent to which criminal syndicates may be embedded within South Africa's political and judicial institutions, raising fears about state capture beyond just the financial sector. It also threatens to further destabilize the ANC, which is already struggling with declining public trust and its worst electoral showing since apartheid ended. With the KwaZulu-Natal province being both a political stronghold and a flashpoint for violence, these revelations could exacerbate instability ahead of national South Africa is the most industrialized economy in Africa, a key player in BRICS, and a regional leader in security and diplomacy. The erosion of public institutions — especially law enforcement — could hamper foreign investment, worsen migration and trafficking issues, and reduce the country's ability to act as a stabilizing force in southern South African president suspends police minister and launches probe into alleged links to criminals [AP News] Syria's Sweida province has erupted in deadly sectarian violence between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin clans, with dozens killed and nearly 100 injured in clashes that began over kidnappings and robberies. Government security forces sent to restore order have also clashed with local armed groups, while Israel struck Syrian military tanks in the area, citing its protection of Druze minorities. The fighting started after Bedouin tribesmen set up a checkpoint where they attacked and robbed a young Druze man, sparking tit-for-tat kidnappings and escalating violence. Syria's new government, led by Sunni Islamist groups since Assad's fall in December, is struggling to maintain control as Druze communities express suspicion about the new authorities and demand international protection. Why it matters: Syria's post-Assad transition is fracturing along sectarian lines, exposing how fragile the country's unity remains even after the civil war's apparent end. The Druze, a religious minority caught between Syria's new Sunni-led government and their historic ties to Israel, are testing whether Syria can protect its minorities or whether outside powers will intervene. Israel's strikes signal it won't hesitate to act militarily if it sees threats to Druze communities, potentially dragging the region into broader conflict. This violence illustrates the complex aftermath of regime change, as even "successful" transitions can unleash new instabilities, especially in diverse societies where trust between communities has been shattered by years of war. The Trump administration's push for Syrian-Israeli normalization now faces the reality that Syria's government may lack the authority to deliver on any agreements, raising questions about the feasibility of Middle East peace deals when states can't control their own Israel strikes military tanks in southern Syria, where government forces clash with Druze militias [AP News] The US has sanctioned Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and other top officials for human rights violations, marking the fourth anniversary of the largest protests on the island nation in recent decades. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the sanctions alongside visa restrictions on Cuban judicial and prison officials "responsible for, or complicit in, the unjust detention and torture" of July 2021 protesters. The rare demonstrations in Cuba erupted after repeated blackouts and economic hardship, with human rights groups estimating over 1,000 arrests. Cuban prosecutors investigated 790 people for protest-related acts, and advocacy groups say 554 people are still serving sentences, though some received conditional release in January after an appeal from Pope Francis. Cuba's Foreign Ministry fired back at Rubio, calling him a "defender of genocide, prisons and mass deportations." Why it matters: By sanctioning Cuba's president directly, the Trump administration is putting Díaz-Canel in the same category as Putin and Iran's Supreme Leader, essentially declaring Cuba a pariah state. It's a sharp reversal from Biden's more cautious approach and reflects the influence of Cuban-American communities, particularly in Florida, on US foreign move could also push Cuba further into the arms of China and Russia, both of which are already expanding their presence in Latin America. While the sanctions are framed as human rights enforcement, they raise broader questions about US sanctions Cuban President Díaz-Canel and other officials for human rights violations [AP News] What do you make of this round of stories? Are there any that shifted your understanding of what's happening? I'm curious to know what surprised you, what resonated, or what you think more people should be paying attention to. Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
Axios
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Axios
Amid controversies, Ogles turns in low fundraising numbers
Against the backdrop of the national Democratic Party targeting his seat, U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles turned in a paltry fundraising total. Why it matters: Ogles figures to need a healthy sum in order to fend off challengers for his District 5 seat, which covers parts of Nashville and its surrounding suburbs, in 2026. By the numbers: Ogles reported raising $53,187.28 for the period ending June 30. He has $59,406.19 cash on hand. He continued to report a $20,000 outstanding loan. Zoom out: In the same period where his fundraising lagged, Ogles has been in the news quite a bit. He called for changing the 22nd amendment so President Trump could serve a third term. Ogles used Islamophobic language while calling for New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani to be denaturalized. And he unleashed an intense attack on Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell for his response to ICE arrests in Nashville in May. State of play: The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has plans to target Ogles' seat. It is an unprecedented effort by the DCCC in recent Tennessee political history, and figures to pump money into the Democratic nominee's campaign. Metro Councilmember Mike Cortese announced his candidacy for the seat last week. What they're saying: Jake Sherman, founder of the Washington D.C. politics outlet Punchbowl News, called Ogles' fundraising numbers "absolutely horrific." DCCC spokesperson Madison Andrus seized on the report, sending out a statement asking, "Does Andy Ogles know he's running?" Axios reached out to the Ogles campaign for comment. Reality check: Ogles has shown the ability to win tough races, fending off Metro Councilmember Courtney Johnston in the last GOP primary and cruising to victory in the general election. He still has time to turn around his fundraising. Flashback: Ogles' fundraising has been a source of controversy and the subject of an ethics probe. He reported a $320,000 loan over the course of several financial disclosures.
Morocco World
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
Bishop Condemns Anti-Migrant Violence in Spain's Murcia
Rabat – Bishop of Cartagena, Jose Manuel Lorca Planes, has issued a public statement regarding the anti-migrant violence that erupted against North African migrants, especially Moroccans, in Murcia, Spain. In his statement , published by Vatican News, the bishop stressed that violence is 'not a solution,' emphasizing that the situation contributes to a 'deeper sense of fear and unease.' A large wave of Islamophobic attacks, xenophobia, and anti-migrant sentiment has been ongoing in Spain since Friday last week following the assault of a 68-year-old Spaniard. Converging reports claimed three youths of North African origin had beaten him up, but an ongoing investigation has yet to determine the circumstances of the case. Reports have confirmed arrests made by authorities, including 11 people apprehended for their involvement in the assault as well as anti-migrants riots. Despite swirling rumors on social media and within far-right groups, the majority of those arrested are of Spanish origin. Since the assault on the retiree, far-right groups launched violence targeting migrants and Muslims, calling for a manhunt of 'Maghrebis' or those coming from North Africa. Many have condemned the anti-migrant and Islamophobic acts, but others have been fueling tensions and blaming Moroccans for the attacks. Bishop Lorca Planes responded to the violence, urging all residents to avoid 'any form of extremism' and to offer peace, love, and forgiveness. According to reports, nearly one-third of Torre Pacheco's population is of foreign origin, with many contributing to Spain's socio-economic development, particularly in agriculture and other sectors. Earlier this week, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the wave of racism and Islamophobic attacks against migrants and Muslims. 'Racism is incompatible with democracy,' he said, noting that Spain is a country of rights, not of hate. The Moroccan consulate in Murcia also responded to the anti-migrant violence, particularly against Moroccans living in the region. 'We express our unconditional support to those affected and affirm our commitment to preserving their moral and physical integrity,' the consulate said, noting that it is constantly in contact with Spanish authorities to ensure all necessary security guarantees are provided to Moroccans. Tags: MurciaMurcian companies in Morocco
Politico
a day ago
- Politics
- Politico
Mamdani's biggest DC defender is… Ritchie Torres?
HIS HATER BECAME HIS WAITER: Israel-supporting, defund-the-police-decryin' and Cuomo-primary-allignin' Rep. Ritchie Torres seems to be going out of his way to defend Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani. When President Donald Trump threatened to arrest Mamdani, Torres called it 'disgraceful.' When more Republicans attacked Mamdani, he slammed them as Islamophobic on MSNBC. And when the controversy emerged around Mamdani identifying as African American on his college application, Torres defended him. 'I have had political opponents question the authenticity of Afro-Latino identity, and question my blackness,' he told The New York Times. 'And I deeply, deeply resent it. It makes my blood boil.' On Thursday, Torres even introduced a bill to censure a Tennessee House Republican who called for Mamdani's deportation. Those who know the Bronx's staunchest supporter of Israel may be surprised at his increasing bid to shield Mamdani from the onslaught of GOP attacks. But he is just the latest backer of Cuomo's primary bid who has sought to distance himself from the former governor — and even warm up to the lefty nominee. Today, Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn — who backed Mayor Eric Adams, then endorsed Cuomo, and now backs Mamdani — appeared in a cheery video with Mamdani in which the pair toured Brooklyn's Little Haiti and asked voters to put Mamdani on their general election ballots. Torres still has not made an endorsement in the general election, but he made clear his Cuomo endorsement 'only applies to the Democratic primary' and had a 'mutually respectful' phone call with Mamdani. His team would not reveal to Playbook much about the conversation, beyond that Torres expressed he's committed to having a working relationship. Torres also faces the prospect of defending a challenge to his own seat from former Bronx electeds. Long-shot mayoral candidate and Mamdani-ally Michael Blake has recently taken to attacking Torres on social media since the primary, and pro-Trump pol Ruben Diaz Sr. said he might vie for Torres' post. On Monday, Torres was spotted smiling ear to ear in a group photo with Mamdani. His team did not comment on whether the two interacted at all during that event, either. 'If Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans are despicably demanding the 'deportation' and 'denaturalization' of a Democratic nominee — simply because he is a Muslim American — then I will speak out forcefully against their bigotry, and Democrats across the ideological spectrum should do the same,' Torres told Playbook in a statement. 'We must stand up and speak out against all forms of bigotry with moral clarity and consistency.' — Jason Beeferman FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL FLASH WARNING: The treacherous flash flood on Monday night and high temperatures expected later this week are laying bare the massive climate and infrastructure challenges facing New York City. As the city saw its second-wettest hour in history — and videos of rainwater spewing into subway stations went viral — Mamdani and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams were in agreement that the sewer systems of yesteryear were not meant to handle the storms of today. Mamdani honed in on the issue Monday night on X. 'Earlier tonight, NYC was drenched by more than 2' of rain in a single hour, flooding streets, basements and subways,' the Democratic nominee for mayor posted, thanking city workers and emergency responders. 'We must upgrade our infrastructure for this new climate reality.' Adams, who's running as an independent against Mamdani in the general election, held a news conference Tuesday. 'At the heart of what we are facing, the rulebook, things have changed drastically,' the mayor said on a conference call with reporters. 'Second highest rainfall in Central Park, not due to a Category 5 hurricane or a tropical storm. … It really must resonate: Our sewer system is not built to manage this much water at a short period of time.' The deep investment and long-term planning necessary to address the climate crisis will play a key role in the race for mayor — even as affordability and public safety remain the top issues for voters. Already, how to implement Local Law 97, intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the largest buildings, has come into sharper focus. Mamdani has signaled he would enforce the law more robustly, The New York Times reported. — Emily Ngo with Amira McKee TRUMP SPEAKS: Much of the primary between Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo revolved around who could better stand up to President Donald Trump as mayor of New York City. Trump said today outside the White House that he believes the former governor has a 'good shot' at defeating Mamdani, a democratic socialist who's been a top foil for Republicans. 'I think he should stay. I think he has a shot,' the president said when asked about Cuomo announcing he'll run in the general election as an independent after losing the Democratic primary. Trump, who has a good working relationship with Eric Adams, would not say which candidate he prefers. But he said of Cuomo, 'He's got to run a tough campaign. You know he's running against a communist; I would think he has a good shot at winning.' Mamdani is not a communist. Updated city Board of Elections results today showed he defeated Cuomo in the primary by 12.8 percentage points. — Emily Ngo FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Democratic House candidate Blake Gendebien, who seeks the North County seat held by Rep. Elise Stefanik, will report nearly $2 million cash on hand in his federal campaign finance filing today. It's a massive haul for a relatively unknown Democratic challenger in a deep-red district. But Stefanik, the high-profile Republican weighing a bid for governor, has a monster campaign war chest of her own at $10 million, according to her filing. Gendebien, a dairy farmer, raised $212,000 in the past three months — significantly less than the $3 million he pulled in the first quarter. — Emily Ngo From the Capitol STEFANIK SLAMS CUNY: Rep. Elise Stefanik called on City University of New York Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez to step down after criticizing him for failing to adequately tackle campus antisemitism. Stefanik — who has built a reputation for grilling college presidents over the issue — assailed Matos Rodríguez throughout a three-hour plus congressional hearing for allegedly failing to discipline faculty and employees with ties to pro-Palestinian activism. She urged Gov. Kathy Hochul to push the chancellor to resign, as the Republican lawmaker eyes a gubernatorial bid. 'I am calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul — the worst governor in America who has bent the knee to the antisemites in her party — to call on Chancellor Rodriguez to resign,' Stefanik told reporters following the hearing. 'She needs to make that call today.' Matos Rodríguez defended his work with Jewish organizations. 'Anybody who behaves in any way that is antisemitic, that sponsors violence against members of the Jewish community or any community discriminated [against] or harassed will be investigated and held accountable based on our rules,' he said. — Madina Touré and Bianca Quilantan IN OTHER NEWS — JESSICA VS. JESSICA: Marking the first major lefty primary challenge in the wake of Mamdani's win, Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas filed to run for state Sen. Jessica Ramos' seat. (City & State) — MAMDANI COURTS CONGRESS: On Wednesday, Mamdani plans to rub elbows in Washington with key Democrats, some of whom have been hesitant to endorse the Democratic nominee. (THE CITY) — ADAMS DENIED MATCHING FUNDS: The former mayor's struggles with the New York City Campaign Finance Board continue. (The New York Times) Missed this morning's New York Playbook? We forgive you. Read it here.
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Omar Fateh's Minneapolis mayoral run sparks anti-Black, Islamophobic backlash
Minneapolis mayoral candidate Omar Fateh has faced a wave of racist and Islamophobic attacks after prominent right-wing social media accounts questioned the 35-year-old's citizenship and falsely claimed he was not American. Fateh, a Minnesota state senator since 2020, launched his mayoral run on 2 December 2024 but began facing a deluge of racist abuse earlier this week when conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the founder and president of the non-profit organisation Turning Point USA, wrote on X that: "Muslims [are] commanded to take over the government in the land they live." "The attempted Islamic takeover of America is made possible thanks to mass migration," Kirk said in the same post. Turning Point USA says it "empowers citizens of all ages to Rise Up against the radical Left in defense of freedom, free markets, and limited government". Kirk, an activist who repeatedly attacks the religion of Islam and previously called George Floyd, the Black man killed by a white police officer in 2020 a "scumbag", continued to launch attacks on Fateh and called for an end to "third world immigration" to the US. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters Following Kirk's initial post, several conservative social media users then began attacking Fateh's mayoral bid, with some asking, "how can we send them [Somalis] BACK?" "We need to be writing an extensive paper showing just how it came to be that there are thousands and thousands of Somalis in Minnesota," one post on X with nearly nine thousand likes reads. "Who are these people? How did they get there? Who funded it? And most importantly - how can we send them BACK." Fateh took to his personal X account to respond to the sudden spike in hate and the city of Minneapolis being criticised for being "too diverse". "Minneapolis is a beautifully diverse city that stands firm in our progressive values," Fateh wrote. "The hate I've seen today - and most days - is not who we will ever be." Minneapolis is a beautifully diverse city that stands firm in our progressive values. The hate I've seen today – and most days – is not who we will ever be. I'm running for Mayor to work with you to achieve the affordable city we know Minneapolis can be. — Omar Fateh (@OmarFatehMN) July 15, 2025 Racist social media users also began sharing fake images and memes saying that Fateh was a Somali pirate in the Hollywood blockbuster film Captain Phillips. Others then began targeting Fateh over his connection to his brother-in-law, Muse Mohamud Mohamed, who was convicted of lying to a federal grand jury for abusing the process of submitting absentee ballots for other voters during Minnesota's primary election in August 2020. Meanwhile, several users attacked Fateh for simply being a Black Somali man. In contrast to the widespread hate, many social media users came to the defence of the Minnesota senator and celebrated his campaign as mayor. Responding to Kirk's initial post on X, which has garnered over 4.1 million views and 61,000 likes, Palestinian-American academic Omar Baddar lashed out at the conservative figure's "anti-Muslim bigotry". "How do you go from rightly insisting that antisemitism should have no place in America to propagating the most disgusting anti-Muslim bigotry imaginable as a core tenet of your worldview?" Baddar wrote. How do you go from rightly insisting that antisemitism should have no place in America to propagating the most disgusting anti-Muslim bigotry imaginable as a core tenet of your worldview? — Omar Baddar عمر بدّار (@OmarBaddar) July 14, 2025 One social media user on X wrote: "The reason why MAGA Republicans are outraged over Omar Fateh running for Mayor, is because his skin color offends them and they're Islamophobic." Most of the posts, however, focused on disputing claims about Fateh's birthplace rather than confronting the Islamophobic or anti-Black attacks. Omar Fateh was born in the United States. — Micah Erfan (@micah_erfan) July 14, 2025 "Senator Omar Fateh is a proud American who is running because, like me, he loves Minneapolis," one social media user posted on X. "I'm proud that Minneapolis is a place where he can run for mayor against me on his own merits - and that this kind of bigotry is widely rejected across our great city."
