Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, sparking international tensions. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau announced counter-tariffs of 25% on U.S. goods, warning of economic consequences. Mexico also vowed retaliation, while China plans a WTO lawsuit. These nations collectively account for over 40% of U.S. trade, and economists predict rising costs for American consumers. The move is seen as an economic and political strategy, linking tariffs to immigration and drug policies. Businesses and consumers brace for potential price hikes and trade disruptions.
GERMANY PROTESTS CDU-AFD COOPERATION
Tens of thousands protested in multiple German cities against the cooperation between the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Demonstrators opposed CDU leader Friedrich Merz’s recent anti-immigration proposals, which received AfD support in the Bundestag. The AfD is classified as a “suspected” far-right extremist group by German authorities. Protests took place in major cities, with larger demonstrations expected in Berlin. Germany’s political landscape remains turbulent following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government last year. The controversy comes ahead of Germany’s February 23rd election.
MYANMAR MARKS FOUR YEARS OF CIVIL WAR
Four years after Myanmar’s military coup, the country remains locked in civil war. The military faces growing resistance from ethnic armed groups and the People’s Defence Force, losing key territories. The UN reports unprecedented civilian casualties and human rights violations, including forced military service and mass displacement. Nearly half of Myanmar’s population lives in poverty, with 20 million needing humanitarian aid. The junta has extended emergency rule, delaying elections critics call a sham. International pressure mounts for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners.
ARAB NATIONS REJECT GAZA RELOCATION
A coalition of Arab nations, including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, has firmly rejected former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to relocate Gaza’s population to neighbouring countries. In a joint statement, they emphasized that forced displacement would destabilize the region and undermine peace efforts. Instead, they called for a two-state solution and international support for Gaza’s reconstruction. Trump had suggested that relocation could be “temporary” or “long-term,” but Arab leaders insist that Palestinians must remain in their homeland. The proposal has sparked strong opposition, reinforcing calls for a just resolution to the conflict.
BALOCHISTAN CLASHES KILL 41 PEOPLE
Intense clashes in Pakistan’s Balochistan province have left 18 paramilitary soldiers and 23 insurgents dead after the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) ambushed a convoy near Kalat. The attack, involving 70-80 militants, highlights escalating violence in the resource-rich but impoverished region. Security forces removed insurgent roadblocks and launched ongoing operations. The BLA, backed by the Pakistani Taliban, has long fought for independence, citing economic exploitation and political marginalization. Balochistan’s instability poses growing security challenges for Pakistan, with recent years witnessing a surge in deadly militant attacks targeting both military and civilian infrastructure.
