The Taliban's campaign has sparked controversy among human rights groups and the UN, prompting delays in planned arrests and deportations of Afghan asylum seekers. The initial April 1 deadline was pushed back to April 10 due to Eid al-Fitr holidays. Over 845,000 Afghans have fled Pakistan over the past 18 months, according to International Organization for Migration figures.
https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-afghanistan-refugee-expulsion-e0f133a5b15252fca8ed232910784be3The US Trade Representative is investigating China's practices in maritime and logistics sectors, potentially leading to entrance fees for Chinese-built ships entering US ports. The administration is also reviewing tariffs on lumber and copper imports, indicating a prolonged trade war. President's "America First Trade Policy" review includes assessments of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the Phase One trade deal with China, which was meant to ease tensions between the two nations.
https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/trump-liberation-day-tariffs-impact-global-trade-2025-13876034.htmlThe Trump administration's America First Trade Policy Executive Order has requested assessments from government agencies on various trade practices, including unfair trade, currency manipulation, export controls, and national security threats. The USMCA, free trade agreements, and the World Trade Organization's government procurement agreement are also under review. Reports aim to deliver details on adjustments needed for foreign partners, with a focus on extraterritorial or discriminatory taxes, as per the Hinrich Foundation in New Delhi, India.
https://www.news18.com/explainers/what-trumps-liberation-day-could-mean-for-us-global-markets-and-economy-explained-9281512.htmlUS President Donald Trump expressed frustration over Russia's handling of the Ukraine conflict, stating he was "pissed off" at Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump threatened to impose secondary tariffs of 25% to 50% on oil imports from Russia if Moscow blocks efforts to end the war in Ukraine. The move comes after Putin criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's leadership, further straining relations between the two nations.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1296998-to-bomb-if-iran-doesn-t-make-nuclear-deal-threatens-trumpThe US has threatened to launch a heavy bombing campaign against Iran if negotiations on its nuclear program fail, with thousands of missiles located in underground structures across the country, designed to withstand air strikes, according to reports by "Tehran Times".
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/960645-tehran-we-are-ready-to-respond-to-donald-trump-with-missilesChina, Japan, and South Korea have agreed to coordinate their response to US tariffs. The decision follows a meeting between trade ministers from the three countries, where they discussed ways to bolster regional trade amid concerns over US President Donald Trump's tariff policies. China is interested in purchasing chip products from Japan and South Korea, while the two countries are looking to import raw semiconductor materials from Beijing. The nations also agreed to enhance supply chain cooperation and hold further discussions on export controls.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/china-japan-south-korea-agree-to-counter-us-tariffs-eye-stronger-trade-ties-13876117.htmlThe bodies of eight Palestinian medics and rescue workers have been recovered from shallow graves in the Gaza Strip, a grave violation of human dignity according to Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA). The group went missing on March 23 after Israel resumed an all-out offensive against Hamas earlier this month.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/mena/gaza-medics-dead-bodies-recovered?utm_source=most-popular-worldIran's President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Tehran will not engage in direct talks with the US, but will continue indirect negotiations as per an injunction from Supreme Leader Khamenei. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei condemned a "bombing" threat by Revolutionary Guards Aerospace Commander Amirali Hajizadeh against US forces in the Middle East, warning that violence breeds more violence. Iran has exceeded limits set by the 2015 nuclear deal, prompting Western powers to accuse it of developing nuclear weapons capability.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40355578/iran-will-deliver-strong-blow-against-us-if-it-attacks-khamenei-saysThe conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to widespread outrage among Palestinians, with over 50,000 killed in Gaza since October 2023. Despite a fragile ceasefire agreement, Israel resumed its bombardment on March 18, killing over 400 Palestinians. Defence minister Israel Katz threatened to permanently occupy parts of the Gaza Strip unless Hamas releases hostages. Human rights experts warn that Israel is weaponising starvation in Gaza by blocking aid. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports that more than 1,170 lives have been lost since the October incursion into Israel. Mass protests have erupted across Gaza, with thousands taking to the streets to demand an end to the war and the fall of Hamas.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14554331/hamas-worldwide-call-arms-fight-trump-relocation-plan.html