Name: Taliban release 2 Americans from captivity; USA says no prisoner swap or money exchange
Uploaded: 2022-12-21T07:39:46.000+05:30
Duration: T00M29S
Channel: Editorji News Desk
Description: The two released Americans reached Qatar on 20 December 2022 before being reunited with families, according to US media reports.

These 40 Uyghur men had been held in Thailand since 2014 after escaping persecution in China's Xinjiang region. 

U.S. Condemns Thailand's Uyghur Deportations

These 40 Uyghur men had been held in Thailand since 2014 after escaping persecution in China's Xinjiang region.

The United States and several other countries extended multiple offers to Thailand to resettle over 40 Uyghur men before their deportation to China, where rights organizations fear they may face torture and mistreatment, according to a statement from the U.S. State Department on Friday.
These 40 Uyghur men had been held in Thailand since 2014 after escaping persecution in China's Xinjiang region. Last week, they were discreetly moved from a detention center in Bangkok and sent back to China.
The U.S. State Department emphasized its efforts to prevent this outcome, highlighting consistent offers to resettle the Uyghurs in various countries, including the United States. This was in response to inquiries from The Associated Press.
Contrarily, earlier this week, Thailand's Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Russ Jalichandra, claimed that no serious resettlement offers had been made. He suggested that any third country truly interested in taking the men should have negotiated with China for approval.
The State Department criticized Thailand's decision as a breach of its commitment to the United Nations Convention Against Torture, stressing that offers of asylum do not require China's consent.
"The responsibility to protect individuals at risk of persecution or torture from being returned to their persecutors is non-negotiable," asserted the State Department. They also mentioned involvement from "a number of allies and partners" in the resettlement efforts but did not divulge additional details.
Russ indicated that Thailand's decision to return the Uyghurs to China might have been driven by concerns over potential retaliation from China if they were granted asylum elsewhere.
"The repercussions for Thailand if they sent the Uyghurs to a third country would have been substantial," he stated. "It was not a realistic option." U.S. officials and human rights groups report that China has detained over a million people, predominantly Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities, in camps designed for forced assimilation and indoctrination in Xinjiang.
In these facilities, individuals reportedly face torture, sterilization, and forced labor. However, China denies these accusations, maintaining that its Xinjiang policies aim to foster economic growth and eliminate extremism. It also rebuffs any foreign criticism of its domestic policies.

Thousands of Indian H-4 visa holders face uncertainty as they age out of dependent status. Many consider moving to Canada or the UK due to U.S. visa backlogs and policy changes.


Indian Youth Face U.S. Visa Uncertainty

Thousands of Indian H-4 visa holders face uncertainty as they age out of dependent status. Many consider moving to Canada or the UK due to U.S. visa backlogs and policy changes.
&nbsp;

Thousands of Indian immigrants in the United States, who arrived as minors under H-4 visas, are now facing uncertainty as they near the age of 21.
According to current U.S. immigration laws, they will no longer qualify as dependents of their H-1B visa-holder parents.
Previously, these individuals had a two-year window to transition to another visa status after 'aging out,' but recent policy changes have thrown these plans into jeopardy.
In response, many are considering other options, such as immigrating to countries like Canada or the UK, which have more accommodating immigration policies.
The extensive backlog in the U.S. employment-based green card system has placed a disproportionate burden on Indian immigrants.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced the registration period for H-1B visas for fiscal year 2026, from March 7 to March 24.
The H-1B visa allows U.S. companies to hire foreign workers in specialized occupations that require theoretical or technical skills. For 2026, the cap remains at 65,000 visas, with an additional 20,000 reserved for applicants with U.S. master's degrees.
The USCIS has introduced a new beneficiary-centric selection process to curb fraud and promote fair selection. The registration fee has been raised to $215.
According to a report by the Times of India, as of March 2023, nearly 134,000 Indian children are expected to age out of their dependent visa status before their families can secure green cards.
Due to the immigration system's backlog, many may face waits of 12 to 100 years for permanent residency.
A recent Texas court ruling blocking work permits for new DACA applicants has exacerbated the situation.
DACA offers temporary, renewable protection from deportation for undocumented youth, including those losing dependent status after turning 21, creating further uncertainty for many Indian youths.
U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders has criticized the H-1B program, arguing that it primarily benefits corporations by bringing in lower-paid foreign workers instead of employing Americans.
Senator Sanders has proposed an amendment to the Laken Riley Act, which would double H-1B visa fees to generate $370 million annually to fund nearly 20,000 scholarships for American students in STEM fields.&nbsp;
He has also suggested raising H-1B workers' wages to match at least the median local wage, preventing companies from undercutting American salaries.
Sanders criticized billionaires like Elon Musk and Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy for supporting the H-1B program.
Citing Economic Policy Institute data, Sanders noted that between 2022 and 2023, the top 30 H-1B employers laid off 85,000 American workers while hiring over 34,000 guest workers, challenging the argument of a skilled-worker shortage.

However, Netanyahu appeared to have a differing interpretation, dismissing the intelligence warnings by asserting that Hamas was "deterred."

Shin Bet Warned of Hamas Threats to Israel

However, Netanyahu appeared to have a differing interpretation, dismissing the intelligence warnings by asserting that Hamas was "deterred."

Hamas's attack on Israeli territories near the Gaza Strip on October 7 was not without warning, according to Israel's internal agency, Shin Bet, which disclosed that it had alerted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the potential threat at least five months prior.
The agency reported that despite recognizing the militant group's intentions, it did not correctly gauge the scale, timing, or location of the eventual assault, which resulted in the deaths of at least 1,200 Israelis.
Ronen Bar, Shin Bet's chief and head of the General Security Service (GSS), reportedly cautioned Netanyahu, describing Hamas as a "challenge at its doorstep" and advised Israel to prepare for a preemptive response, as detailed by Haaretz.
However, Netanyahu appeared to have a differing interpretation, dismissing the intelligence warnings by asserting that Hamas was "deterred."
The Guardian's coverage of an eight-page summary of the agency's report suggests that Israel's "policy of quiet" toward Hamas contributed to the deadly October event.
The document criticizes Netanyahu's acceptance of Qatari financial support to Gaza, which allegedly aimed to keep Palestinians divided by empowering Hamas over the Palestinian Authority.
In response to the report, the Israeli government criticized Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, arguing that the agency's findings did not accurately reflect the severity of its shortcomings.
A statement from Netanyahu's circle accused Bar of a substantial failure to address the Hamas threat, further claiming that Shin Bet had believed Hamas preferred to maintain a low profile.
The government argued that Bar had not only recommended civilian concessions but also thought Hamas was seeking stability with economic incentives, as mentioned in an October 3 document.
Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas, urging the release of hostages and return of those killed.
Posting on his Truth Social platform after meeting with freed hostages, Trump demanded immediate action, threatening further destruction otherwise.
The warning followed Israel's decision to stop the entry of all goods and supplies into Gaza.
Although not all details were clear, it was understood that aid supplies had been disrupted.
Tensions lingered as the first phase of the Hamas-Israel ceasefire concluded, with Israel's prime minister's office threatening "additional consequences" should Hamas reject the US proposal for extending the ceasefire.

The Miombo woodlands, Africa's largest dry tropical forest, is vital for biodiversity and carbon storage, supporting millions of livelihoods.

Miombo Woodlands: Africa's Mighty Carbon Vault

The Miombo woodlands, Africa's largest dry tropical forest, is vital for biodiversity and carbon storage, supporting millions of livelihoods.

In our school days, many of us learned that the Amazon is the largest rainforest in the world. However, few are aware of the Miombo woodlands in Africa.
This expansive forest, roughly the size of Mexico, covers around 1.9 million square kilometers across Zimbabwe, Angola, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It comprises tropical grasslands, savannas, and shrublands.
Renowned as the world's largest mammal migration hotspot from October to December, the Miombo attracts approximately 10 million bats from various parts of Africa to Zambia's Kasanka National Park.
Not only is the Miombo home to Africa&rsquo;s most iconic megafauna and the continent's endangered elephant species, but it also supports the livelihoods of over 300 million people by providing vital resources.
Between 1980 and 2020, the forest cover in the Miombo decreased by nearly a third, raising concerns about the significant carbon release that could occur if deforestation continues.
The forest has played a crucial role in mitigating global warming.
The Miombo woodlands represent a unique type of semi-deciduous forest dominated by trees from the legume family.
This ecoregion, stretching across Central and Southern Africa, is recognized as the world's largest dry tropical forest.
In Mozambique's Niassa Special Reserve, the Miombo thrives alongside diverse habitats such as rocky outcrops and seasonally flooded grassy areas, known as dambos.
The local population relies on the Miombo for essential resources, including thatching grass for roofing, poles for fencing and construction, bark for fiber production, nutrient-rich termite mound soil for agriculture, and firewood for cooking.
A recent study revealed that the Miombo forest stores over twice the carbon dioxide in its soils and trees than previously estimated, according to CNN.
It stores an additional 3.7 billion metric tons of carbon&mdash;more than what China emitted in 2023.
This extra carbon storage is crucial for combating climate change by keeping excess carbon out of the atmosphere. Edwin Tambara, director of Global Leadership at the African Wildlife Foundation, emphasized that dry forests such as the Miombo are often undervalued and understudied compared to more famous rainforests like the Amazon and the Congo Basin.

The EU faced questions on Wednesday over how much of its money goes to tech billionaire Elon Musk's companies as tensions ramp up between the new US administration and Brussels.

EU Investigates Musk's Financial Ties

The EU faced questions on Wednesday over how much of its money goes to tech billionaire Elon Musk's companies as tensions ramp up between the new US administration and Brussels.

The EU faced questions on Wednesday over how much of its money goes to tech billionaire Elon Musk's companies as tensions ramp up between the new US administration and Brussels.
The EU faced questions on Wednesday over how much of its money goes to tech billionaire Elon Musk's companies as tensions ramp up between the new US administration and Brussels.
US President Donald Trump has criticised the European Union, claiming it was "formed in order to screw the United States", and has threatened the bloc with higher tariffs.
One of Trump's biggest allies is Musk, whose social media platform X faces an EU probe. Musk has accused the EU of censorship with its content moderation rules.
German Green EU lawmaker Daniel Freund sent a letter on Tuesday to the European Commission, the bloc's executive arm, asking for "a detailed list of EU funding allocated to companies owned or controlled by Elon Musk" over the past five years.
The businesses named included SpaceX, Tesla, X, Neuralink, The Boring Company, xAI and "any other relevant entities linked" to Musk.
Freund said he wanted details of "grants, tenders, subsidies" including any money spent on advertising on social media platforms owned or controlled by him.
"Trump's MAGA crowd including Musk have the clear aim to weaken or even destroy the EU. So we should have a very close look at the EU funding we provide to them," Freund told AFP on Wednesday.
"For me it's clear: the EU should not give millions to people that want to destroy it."

UNICEF said the scale of child rape in war-ravaged Sudan was far more widespread than just the documented cases and urged all sides to end sexual violence as a war tactic.

Child Rape in Sudan: A Humanitarian Emergency

UNICEF said the scale of child rape in war-ravaged Sudan was far more widespread than just the documented cases and urged all sides to end sexual violence as a war tactic.

Children as young as one have been raped by armed men during the conflict in Sudan, the UN said on Tuesday, condemning it as a horror that should "shock anyone to their core".
UNICEF said the scale of child rape in war-ravaged Sudan was far more widespread than just the documented cases and urged all sides to end sexual violence as a war tactic.
Gender-based violence (GBV) service providers in Sudan recorded some 221 cases of child rape since the beginning of 2024.
Of those cases, 66 percent of the survivors were girls and 33 percent were boys.
There were 16 survivors under the age of five -- including four who were as young as one.
The UN children's agency recorded an additional 77 reported cases of sexual assault against children -- primarily attempted rape.
"Painstakingly verified by the United Nations, these figures provide only a partial picture of the true magnitude of violence inflicted against children," UNICEF said.
It said survivors and their families were often unwilling or unable to come forward, fearing stigma, rejection from their family or community, retribution from armed groups, confidentiality breaches, or being accused of being a collaborator.
Life-long consequences
"Children as young as one being raped by armed men should shock anyone to their core and compel immediate action," said UNICEF executive director Catherine Russell.
"Millions of children in Sudan are at risk of rape and other forms of sexual violence, which is being used as a tactic of war. This is an abhorrent violation of international law and could constitute a war crime. It must stop."
Sudan's regular army (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been locked in a battle for power since April 2023.
The fighting has plunged Sudan into what the UN calls the world's largest humanitarian catastrophe.
In its report entitled "Sudan's child rape and sexual violence crisis", UNICEF said attacks included armed men storming homes and demanding families surrender their girls; and raping girls in front of their loved ones.
The report did not single out either the SAF or the RSF as being behind particular crimes.
Victims were left with serious physical injury, including wounds, fractures, abscesses, and other complications.
"No person, no child, should have to endure these horrors," the report said.
It said sexual violence could have life-long consequences and leave survivors facing "impossible choices" such as handling a resultant pregnancy, and whether to speak out or seek health support.
'Crying and screaming'
UNICEF released clips from interviews with victims, maintaining their anonymity.
"They forced me into a big car... They took me to a place next to a railway, and three people raped me," said one 16-year-old girl.
"They were beating me and raping me and threw me next to the railway, and a woman came and helped me go home... and when I arrived, I was in a terrible condition."
The girl is now nine months pregnant.
An adult woman was held by armed men for 19 days in a room with other women and girls.
"After nine at night, someone opens the door, carrying a whip, selects one of the girls, and takes her to another room. I could hear the little girl crying and screaming. They were raping her," she said.
"Every time they raped her, this girl would come back covered in blood... They only release these girls at dawn, and they return almost unconscious."
UNICEF urged the Sudanese government and all parties to the conflict to respect their obligations to protect civilians, especially children, while those providing services to survivors must be protected.
"In decision-making on funding, GBV programmes must be treated by donors as lifesaving," the agency said.

Previously director of the defence ministry, Zamir will replace outgoing chief of staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halev, who resigned admitting he failed to fulfil his mandate.

Eyal Zamir: New Israeli Armed Forces Chief

Previously director of the defence ministry, Zamir will replace outgoing chief of staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halev, who resigned admitting he failed to fulfil his mandate.

Former tank commander Eyal Zamir will on Wednesday become Israel's new armed forces chief, inheriting the task at a crucial time for the military after it acknowledged its "complete failure" to prevent Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack.
Previously director of the defence ministry, Zamir will replace outgoing chief of staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halev, who resigned admitting he failed to fulfil his mandate.
Zamir, 59, is being sworn in at a sensitive time in Israel's war with Hamas, with the ceasefire that took effect on January 19 hanging in the balance.
Announcing his appointment last month, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had high hopes that Zamir would help achieve Israel's goal of "absolute victory" against Hamas.
Zamir will also take over operations in the occupied West Bank, where the military has deployed tanks in recent weeks for the first time in 20 years.
His appointment also comes at a moment of high tension for Israel with its arch-foe Iran.
Zamir wrote in a 2022 policy paper for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy that Israel needed to adopt a tougher approach in order to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Pushing for greater cooperation with the United States against what he called the "Iran axis", Zamir advocated "offensive action" in order to guarantee success.
His position on Iran mirrors that of Netanyahu, who recently said that Israel plans to "finish the job against Iran's terror axis".
Zamir, who led key operations during the second Palestinian intifada or uprising, served as Netanyahu's military secretary from 2012 to 2015.
He is the founder of the right-wing think tank Israel Defence and Security Forum .
In contrast to Halevi, who avoided the spotlight, Zamir comes across as a powerful figure.
At a defence ministry event a day after his appointment, Zamir, a father of three, was quoted as saying that 2025 would be "a year of continued fighting".
"The war has demonstrated that we must be self-reliant," he said.
As head of the defence ministry, Zamir is credited with some of Israel's biggest and most significant defence procurements.
"He understands very well what big wars are all about and how to fight them," said Amir Avivi, a former Israeli general who now runs a network for former security officials.
'Strict'
Zamir cuts a powerful frame, his burly build sending a clear message that he means business.
Avivi, who has known Zamir for more than 20 years and spent a year with him at the Israeli College for National Security, described him as being "mission-oriented", "detail-oriented" and "strict".
He said Zamir has a "deep understanding" of the Gaza front and even authored "a very detailed plan to conquer all of Gaza" while serving as head of Southern Command from 2015 to 2018.
Saying he had spoken with Zamir since his appointment, Avivi added: "I think he has a very clear understanding that he was chosen for one thing -- to bring total victory to Israel on all fronts."
Jonathan Conricus, a former Israeli army spokesman who served with Zamir, also said the incoming chief would have to "navigate strategic challenges of the most sensitive nature", including restoring public trust.
Born in Israel's southernmost city Eilat, Zamir, whose paternal grandfather immigrated from Yemen and whose mother's family arrived from Syria, joined the military in 1984.
Unlike previous chiefs of staff, who served in the distinguished paratroopers' unit or in the Golani infantry brigade, Zamir began his career in the Armoured Corps.
He served through the first and second intifadas holding senior combat and command roles.
In 2002, he led a brigade that captured the refugee camp adjacent to the West Bank city of Jenin, a hotbed of Palestinian militancy.
The army laid siege to the camp for more than a month amid fierce fighting that saw hundreds of homes levelled, and 52 Palestinians and 23 Israeli soldiers killed.
Zamir was later appointed head of the army's southern command, where he led efforts to cut off Hamas tunnels.
From 2018 to 2021, he served as deputy chief of staff under Lieutenant General Aviv Kochavi, tasked with implementing the military's multi-year plan.

This decision has reignited debate over the use of firing squads, a method deeply rooted in American history.

SC Revives Firing Squad Execution After 15 Years

This decision has reignited debate over the use of firing squads, a method deeply rooted in American history.

South Carolina is set to carry out its first execution by firing squad in 15 years with Brad Sigmon, convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend's parents in 2001, opting for this method over the electric chair and lethal injection.
This decision has reignited debate over the use of firing squads, a method deeply rooted in American history.
The practice dates back to colonial times, with the first recorded execution by firing squad in 1608 when Captain George Kendall was executed in Jamestown, Virginia, for mutiny. During the Civil War, both Union and Confederate forces used firing squads to execute deserters, aiming to maintain discipline through public spectacle. According to Mark Smith, a history professor at the University of South Carolina, the method was designed to shock and intimidate, often incorporating an element of uncertainty by using a blank cartridge.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Utah became a focal point for this execution method, with notable cases like the 1915 execution of labor activist Joe Hill, who was shot by firing squad in Utah State Prison.
Firing squads fell out of favor in the 1980s with the rise of lethal injection, considered then a more humane method. However, lethal injections have since faced scrutiny due to botched executions and difficulties sourcing requisite drugs. As a result, some states are reconsidering firing squads. Criminologist Deborah Denno from Fordham School of Law points out that firing squads tend to be quicker and less prone to error, with only two reported botched cases, suggesting they may be more humane.
Sigmon's choice has sparked debate about execution methods. His attorney, Gerald "Bo" King, explained that Sigmon preferred the firing squad, viewing the other options as worse. His execution will be conducted by volunteer officers, with Sigmon bound to a chair and a target placed over his heart.
The upcoming execution in South Carolina not only highlights the complexity of capital punishment in the US but also raises ethical questions about justice and the value of human life. As the nation continues to grapple with these issues, the decision to use a firing squad underscores ongoing debates surrounding execution methods.

Musk's remarks, made during a podcast with Joe Rogan, highlight concerns over the financial implications of these organizations and their potential role in global policy interference.

Musk and Trump Critique U.S. NGO Funding

Musk's remarks, made during a podcast with Joe Rogan, highlight concerns over the financial implications of these organizations and their potential role in global policy interference.

Elon Musk, who now heads the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the Donald Trump administration, has criticized U.S. funding of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), labeling it as potentially "the biggest scam ever."
Musk's remarks, made during a podcast with Joe Rogan, highlight concerns over the financial implications of these organizations and their potential role in global policy interference.
Musk, who owns the social media platform X, expressed concerns over the financial practices of NGOs during the administrations of Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden. He suggested that these organizations may have been used by Washington D.C. for regime change and other global policy influences.
In his discussion, Musk pointed out startling examples where individuals received large sums, citing a case where $1.9 billion was allocated to an NGO that had minimal prior activity. He questioned the legitimacy of government-funded NGOs, describing them as an "oxymoron," and suggesting the line between government and non-profit operations has become increasingly blurred.
Musk alleged that these NGOs serve as channels for financial gains, with some individuals becoming "very wealthy" through these non-profit activities. "Government-funded NGOs allow actions that would be illegal if conducted directly by the government, yet are somehow permissible through these organizations," he noted.
The conversation also touched on previous claims made by Musk regarding departments like USAID, which he accused of financial malpractice. He described the NGO system as a "hack," allowing formation with minimal investment which could potentially lead to large-scale funding.
Additionally, Musk mentioned billionaire George Soros, describing him as a "system hacker," adept at using non-profits for financial leverage, resulting in significant influence and funding. He illustrated this by explaining how a $10 million investment in a non-profit could be transformed into a billion-dollar NGO through lobbying.
These critiques shed light on ongoing debates about the role and oversight of NGOs in international affairs, raising questions about their impact on government policy and financial accountability.

He used India as a case in point, pointing out that the country imposes auto tariffs exceeding 100 percent on U.S. vehicles.

Trump's New Reciprocal Tariffs Target India, EU

He used India as a case in point, pointing out that the country imposes auto tariffs exceeding 100 percent on U.S. vehicles.

U.S. President Donald Trump has once again voiced his dissatisfaction with what he describes as "very unfair" tariffs imposed by India and numerous other countries.
Announcing that reciprocal tariffs will come into effect on April 2, Trump intends to align U.S. import duties with the rates other countries apply to American exports.
Speaking to a Joint Session of Congress at the start of his second term, Trump declared, "For decades, other countries have taken advantage of us with their tariffs, and now it's our turn to respond in kind."
Trump specifically highlighted the European Union, China, Brazil, India, Mexico, and Canada as examples of nations that impose significantly higher tariffs on American goods.
He used India as a case in point, pointing out that the country imposes auto tariffs exceeding 100 percent on U.S. vehicles.
Trump has consistently argued that the U.S. must address what he considers to be unfair trade practices. His administration plans to soon implement reciprocal tariffs on countries like India and China, echoing earlier discussions during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Washington.
He emphasized that he communicated to PM Modi that India would not be exempt from these new tariff measures, asserting, "Nobody can argue with me on this."
Beginning April 2, the U.S. will match tariffs imposed by other countries. Trump's statement was clear: "If they tariff us, we will tariff them equally. That&rsquo;s the principle of reciprocity. If they apply non-monetary barriers to block our access to their markets, we will do the same to theirs."
This announcement follows sweeping tariffs recently placed on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China by the Trump administration, citing concerns like illegal immigration and drug trafficking. These measures have provoked strong responses from global leaders.

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The two released Americans reached Qatar on 20 December 2022 before being reunited with families, according to US media reports.

Taliban release 2 Americans from captivity; USA says no prisoner swap or money exchange

The two released Americans reached Qatar on 20 December 2022 before being reunited with families, according to US media reports.

The Taliban rulers of Afghanistan have released 2 American citizens from their captivity.
It was an apparent goodwill gesture as there was no swapping of prisoners or exchange of money, the US government said.
The two released Americans reached Qatar on 20 December 2022 before being reunited with families, according to US media reports.
US State Department spokesperson Ned Price did not identify the released Americans, and said that they are being given appropriate assistance.
The Taliban move came amid severe backlash from Western countries over its decision to ban women students from private and public universities in Afghanistan.
Also read|<a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/pakistan-taliban-terrorists-still-in-control-of-anti-terror-centre-in-bannu-no-breakthrough-in-talks-1671531856235">Pakistan: Taliban terrorists still in control of anti-terror centre in Bannu; no breakthrough in talks</a>

Taiwan detected 11 Chinese balloons near the island in a single-day record, the defence ministry said Friday.

Taiwan Spots 11 Chinese Balloons Amid Tensions

Taiwan detected 11 Chinese balloons near the island in a single-day record, the defence ministry said Friday.

Taiwan detected 11 Chinese balloons near the island in a single-day record, the defence ministry said Friday.
The balloons were spotted along with five Chinese aircraft and six warships in the 24 hours to 6:00 am (2200 GMT on Thursday), the ministry said in its daily report.
It was the highest number of balloons recorded, said the ministry, which started regularly releasing the data on balloon sightings since December 2023.
"Based on trajectory analysis, most balloons around the Taiwan Strait are used for meteorological sounding purposes," it said in a statement.
"Large-scale, planned and intensive deployment (of balloons) has caused potential harm to flight safety".
China insists self-ruled Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring the island under its control.
Beijing has increased the deployment of fighter jets and naval vessels around Taiwan in recent years to press its claim of sovereignty, which Taipei rejects.
The surge in balloons comes after Taiwan recorded 45 Chinese aircraft near the island in a 24-hour period last week, which was the highest number this year.
In the same week, Taipei also condemned China for holding "live-fire" drills off the island's south.
Beijing hit back, accusing Taiwan of "pure hype" over what it called "routine training".
The top US military commander in the Indo-Pacific told a defence forum last month that the frequency of China's exercises could be used to cover up a real attack.
In response to those comments, China's defence ministry reiterated that Beijing would not renounce the use of force to achieve unification.
Taiwan is a potential flashpoint for a war between China and the United States, which is the island's most important backer and biggest arms supplier.
While the United States is legally bound to provide arms to Taiwan -- which Beijing opposes -- Washington has long maintained "strategic ambiguity" when it comes to whether it would deploy its military to defend it from a Chinese attack.
Despite long-standing strong bipartisan support in the US Congress for Taiwan, there are fears that US President Donald Trump might not consider the island worth defending if China attacked.
Speaking at a recent security forum, Taiwan's National Security Council chief Joseph Wu said US support for Taiwan was "very strong".
Wu praised the United States for providing defence equipment to Taiwan, training its soldiers and boosting its international presence.
"I think the Trump administration's support for Taiwan will remain very strong," Wu told the HFX Taipei Forum.
"I think it's very clear that the United States is supporting Taiwan, and with the US support, I think we will be more confident in defending ourselves."

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau steps down amid US tariffs and strained Canada-U.S. relations. The Liberal Party seeks a leader to navigate future diplomatic challenges.

Trudeau's Resignation Amid US-Canada Strains

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau steps down amid US tariffs and strained Canada-U.S. relations. The Liberal Party seeks a leader to navigate future diplomatic challenges.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, visibly emotional, is preparing to step down as his Liberal Party selects a new leader to navigate the country's rocky relationship with the United States, exacerbated by tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
Trudeau, who has been in power for almost ten years, delivered an emotional farewell speech on Thursday. He emphasized his commitment to always prioritizing Canadians' interests throughout his tenure and pledged to continue supporting them even after he leaves office.
"Personally, I ensured that every day in this role, I put Canadians first and had their backs," Trudeau asserted. "I'm here to assure you that we remain committed. In these final days of this administration, and beyond, we will not let Canadians down."
Trudeau had announced his resignation in January following growing internal opposition and a decline in popularity. He will serve as interim prime minister until a successor is appointed.
The Liberal Party is expected to announce its new leader on Sunday. This leader will be tasked with guiding the party through the upcoming elections in October and managing the delicate relationship with the U.S. under President Donald Trump.
Amidst ongoing tensions, Trudeau addressed Trump's tariff threats, urging Canadians to stand united during challenging times. Tensions between the two leaders have been high, with Trump previously alluding to Canada as the "51st state" and calling Trudeau a "Governor."
This speech followed Trump's decision to pause new tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, offering temporary relief to consumers and businesses after previous tariff hikes had disrupted financial markets. Both nations had imposed reciprocal 25% tariffs as a prelude to a potential trade war, which is now suspended until April 2.
Trudeau criticized Trump's confrontational tactics, advocating for a mutual prosperity approach, suggesting that "America First" should also consider the success of Canada and Mexico. He argued that true international trade and diplomacy require reciprocal benefits, unlike real estate transactions.

A Syrian war monitor said Friday that security forces "executed" 52 members of the Alawite minority in Latakia province, where clashes broke out with gunmen loyal to toppled president Bashar al-Assad.

Executions in Latakia Amid Syria's Conflict

A Syrian war monitor said Friday that security forces "executed" 52 members of the Alawite minority in Latakia province, where clashes broke out with gunmen loyal to toppled president Bashar al-Assad.

A Syrian war monitor said Friday that security forces "executed" 52 members of the Alawite minority in Latakia province, where clashes broke out with gunmen loyal to toppled president Bashar al-Assad.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said "security forces executed 52 Alawite men in the towns of Al-Shir and Al-Mukhtariya in the Latakia countryside" based on videos it verified, as well as testimonies it received from the victims' relatives.
Fierce clashes broke out on Thursday in Latakia province, the heartland of the Alawite faith, an offshoot of Shiite Islam to which the Assad clan belongs.
The Observatory and activists released footage showing dozens of bodies in civilian clothing piled in a house yard, with blood stains nearby and women wailing.
In another clip, men in military garb appeared to order three people to crawl on the ground behind each other before opening fire on them at close range.
AFP could not independently verify the images.
In addition to the 52 reportedly killed, the Observatory said clashes since Thursday killed 72 people, including 36 security personnel, 32 gunmen loyal to Assad and four civilians.
The deaths brought the Observatory's total death count since Thursday to at least 124.
Since Assad was toppled by Islamist-led rebels on December 8, Syria's new authorities have launched security campaigns seeking to root out "regime remnants", in particular targeting Alawite strongholds in the country's centre and west.

Trump delays tariffs impacting Canadian and Mexican imports under USMCA, easing market fears. Relief is temporary, with conditions favoring US automakers.

Trump Delays Tariffs on Canada, Mexico Until April

Trump delays tariffs impacting Canadian and Mexican imports under USMCA, easing market fears. Relief is temporary, with conditions favoring US automakers.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday delayed some tariffs targeting Canada and Mexico -- leading Ottawa to halt an upcoming wave of countermeasures -- in moves that bring reprieve to companies and consumers after blowback on financial markets.
Stock markets tumbled after Trump's duties of up to 25 percent took effect Tuesday, as economists warned that blanket levies could weigh on US growth and raise inflation.
But Trump signed orders Thursday to delay the fresh tariffs for Canadian and Mexican imports covered by a North American trade agreement, though he dismissed suggestions that his decisions were linked to market turmoil.
The halt -- which will last until April 2 -- offers relief to automakers.
In the auto sector, parts cross North American borders multiple times during production.
Following talks with the "Big Three" US automakers -- Stellantis, Ford and General Motors -- Washington initially announced a one-month exemption on autos coming through the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
A White House official told reporters that about 62 percent of Canadian imports will still face the new tariffs, although much of these are energy products hit by a lower rate of 10 percent.
About half of Mexican imports come through the USMCA.
The latest moves make conditions "much more favorable for our American car manufacturers," Trump said Thursday.
Shortly after Trump's decision, Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc wrote on X that his country "will not proceed with the second wave of tariffs on $125B of US products until April 2nd, while we continue to work for the removal of all tariffs."
Trump said Thursday that more tariffs would come on April 2, adding they will be "reciprocal in nature." He had earlier vowed reciprocal levies to remedy practices Washington deems unfair.
At that point, Canadian and Mexican goods could still face levies.
The US president also said he would not modify broad tariffs for steel and aluminum imports, which are due to take effect next week.
US stock markets slumped again Thursday despite Trump's partial tariff delay.
'Tremendous progress'? Trump told reporters Thursday in the Oval Office that he had a "very good conversation" with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
He claimed "tremendous progress" on both illegal immigration and drugs coming into the United States -- both reasons that Washington cited in imposing levies on Mexico, Canada and China.
His remarks stood in sharp contrast to simmering tensions with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Trudeau said Thursday that Ottawa will remain in a trade war with Washington for "the foreseeable future" even if there are "breaks for certain sectors."
"Our goal remains to get these tariffs, all tariffs removed," Trudeau added.
Canada contributes less than one percent of fentanyl to the illicit US supply, according to Canadian and US government data.
China, meanwhile, has pushed back on US allegations of its role in the fentanyl supply chain, calling this a domestic issue that tariffs will not resolve.
'Economic reality' For Scott Lincicome, vice president of general economics at the Cato Institute, Trump's easing of tariffs was "a recognition of economic reality."
The move was an acknowledgment that tariffs disrupt supply chains, that the burden of levies fall to Americans, and "that the market doesn't like them and certainly doesn't like the uncertainty surrounding them," Lincicome told AFP.
Since taking office for his second term in January, Trump has made tariff threats on allies and adversaries alike.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Thursday that he was not concerned Trump's tariffs would be inflationary, adding that any impact on prices would likely be temporary.
He told the Economic Club of New York that "access to cheap goods is not the essence of the American Dream," saying this was instead rooted in the idea that citizens can achieve upward mobility and economic security.
Trump has referred to tariffs as a source of US government revenue and a way to remedy trade imbalances.
The US trade deficit surged to a new record in January, ballooning 34 percent to $131.4 billion as imports rose.
Analysts say the deficit was likely bolstered by gold imports, but that data suggests businesses were also trying to get ahead of tariffs.

An opinion poll published Friday showed an upswing in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's approval rating of 10 percentage points since US President Donald Trump called him a "dictator".

Zelensky Approval Peaks Amid Trump Remarks

An opinion poll published Friday showed an upswing in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's approval rating of 10 percentage points since US President Donald Trump called him a "dictator".

An opinion poll published Friday showed an upswing in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's approval rating of 10 percentage points since US President Donald Trump called him a "dictator".
The poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) found that 67 percent of Ukrainians questioned said they trusted Zelensky -- up from 57 percent a month earlier.
The latest poll was conducted between February 14 and March 4, a turbulent period for Zelensky in which a simmering war of words with Trump culminated in a dramatic clash at the White House on February 28.
The findings suggest the effect of US attacks on his leadership has been to consolidate support for the president, researchers said.
"At least for now, we are witnessing a process of unification of society against the backdrop of new challenges facing Ukraine," the institute's executive director, Anton Grushetsky, said in an analytical note.
He suggested Ukrainians perceived the rhetoric of Trump's team not just as a personal attack on Zelensky but "an attack on all of Ukraine and all Ukrainians".
Results were "quite similar" across the country, the pollsters said, although trust was slightly lower among those in the east at 60 percent.
Nationwide, 29 percent of respondents said they distrusted him.
According to the previous poll by the KIIS, released February 19, 57 percent of Ukrainians trusted Zelensky and 37 percent did not.
Trump on February 18 claimed incorrectly that Zelensky had just a "four percent approval rating" and called for presidential elections, banned under martial law.
A day later he branded Zelensky a "dictator", while the Ukrainian leader said his US counterpart was living in a Russian "disinformation space".
Trump and Vice President JD Vance then harangued Zelensky in the Oval Office on February 28 and told him to leave, without signing a deal on rare minerals.
Trump further moved against Ukraine on March 3, suspending military aid and prompting Zelensky to call for a truce and say Ukraine was ready to sign the minerals deal.
The researchers behind the poll said the cancellation of military aid -- announced as the survey was almost completed -- was not fully reflected in the results and would "certainly affect the public mood".

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