Understanding Pakistan’s Taliban Problem Pakistan has been grappling with a persistent Taliban problem that spans both sides of the Afghanistan border. Recently, the Pakistani foreign ministry announced airstrikes against militants affiliated with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) inside Afghanistan. The airstrikes were carried out in response to the TTP’s Hafiz Gul Bahadur group claiming responsibility for…
The US Senate is in a tense standoff with the clock ticking down to a midnight deadline tonight (Saturday, March 23rd). The House of Representatives passed a $1.2 trillion spending package on Friday to keep the government funded through September, but it now needs Senate approval to avoid a partial shutdown. What Happens if the…
A horrific attack at a Moscow concert hall has left at least 40 people dead and over 100 injured. According to Russia’s Federal Security Service, assailants threw explosives triggering a massive fire at the Crocus City Hall on Friday. Videos circulating on social media show plumes of black smoke engulfing the building. While there were…
Ecuador is taking a two-pronged approach to fight organized crime, targeting both street gangs and government corruption. While President Noboa’s security measures have seen success in reducing homicides, a new investigation reveals a massive network of corruption within the government itself. Ecuador’s “Metastasis Case” Ecuador’s Attorney General’s Office is leading the charge against corruption with…
In a move that surprised financial experts, Turkey’s central bank increased its key interest rate by a significant 5 percentage points on Thursday, March 21st, 2024. This brings the benchmark one-week repo rate to 50%. This decision comes despite previous indications that the bank might be pausing its rate hike cycle. Analysts expected the rate…
The United Nations is urgently appealing for $4 billion in life-saving aid for Syria. This comes as the country’s ongoing civil war continues to inflict a devastating humanitarian crisis on millions of civilians. Over 10 Million Syrians in Need A UN humanitarian official stated the critical need for funds, emphasizing that over 10 million Syrians…
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has acknowledged the need for another bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), despite the difficult economic conditions imposed by the Fund in the past. This comes after the IMF approved the final tranche of $1.1 billion from a previous $3 billion agreement. Sharif Stresses Need for Long-Term Program Sharif…
In a groundbreaking turn of events, Wales has made history by electing Vaughan Gething as its first Black leader, marking a significant milestone in the political landscape of the United Kingdom. Gething, who hails from a mixed Welsh-Zambian heritage, emerged victorious in the leadership contest for Wales’ governing Labour Party and subsequently secured the position…
Great news for Chinese travelers! Azerbaijan has announced plans to introduce a visa-free system for Chinese citizens. This exciting development comes alongside the existence of visa-on-arrival for Chinese visitors, making travel between the two countries even smoother. The announcement comes from Hikmat Hajiyev, assistant to the president of Azerbaijan. In an interview with CGTN’s Wang…
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan warned of a possible war with Azerbaijan if a compromise isn’t reached regarding the return of four villages currently under Armenian control. The villages in question have been held by Armenia since the violent conflict in the early 1990s. Pashinyan made these remarks during a meeting with residents near the…
