José Raúl Mulino, Panama’s newly inaugurated president, has pledged to shut down irregular migration through the Darien Gap, a perilous jungle route connecting Panama to Colombia. Mulino has secured a U.S. commitment to cover repatriation costs, but faces challenges in implementing his strict policy. Experts warn that this could force migrants onto riskier routes and benefit smugglers, while potentially impacting U.S. border crossings.
Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US Department of State, condemned terrorism and expressed hope for improved relations between India and Pakistan. He emphasized the US’s deepening ties with India, particularly in economic and security cooperation, while acknowledging the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.
The US has revised its proposed ceasefire and hostage-release deal for Gaza, aiming to reconcile the conflicting positions of Israel and Hamas. The revised proposal, based on President Biden’s earlier framework, focuses on negotiation points during the initial ceasefire phase. While Israel supports the deal, Hamas has shown resistance, rejecting the proposal as lacking meaningful progress. The US is working with Qatar and Egypt to facilitate a compromise, but a senior Hamas official has dismissed the revised proposal as offering nothing new.
North Korea has strongly criticized joint military exercises between the US, South Korea, and Japan, accusing them of forming an ‘Asian NATO’ and threatening a forceful response. The drills, dubbed ‘Freedom Edge’, involved naval destroyers, fighter jets, and the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt. North Korea’s condemnation comes amid heightened tensions in the Korean peninsula, following South Korea’s pledge to provide weapons to Ukraine and North Korea’s signing of a mutual defense pact with Russia.
The Maldives, while acknowledging its strategic location in the Indo-Pacific, has reassured its partners, including India and the US, that it prioritizes regional stability and sees all major powers as important partners. This comes after the Maldives signed defense deals with China, prompting concerns from India and the US. The Maldivian ambassador to Washington emphasized that his country’s relationships with other nations are sincere and not intended to harm regional peace. He highlighted the Maldives’ reliance on tourism and its commitment to a stable Indian Ocean, making it essential to maintain good relations with all key players.
The United States has deployed an amphibious assault ship and Marines to the Eastern Mediterranean Sea as tensions escalate between Israel and Hezbollah. This move comes amidst increasing fears of a full-fledged war, with the situation growing more volatile after weeks of intense fighting. The US deployment aims to deter escalation and potentially facilitate the evacuation of American citizens if conflict breaks out.
The US House of Representatives has passed a resolution calling for an independent investigation into alleged interference in Pakistan’s 2024 elections. The resolution, which was overwhelmingly supported by US lawmakers, expresses concern over reports of intimidation, violence, and restrictions on internet access during the elections. The Pakistani government has criticized the resolution, claiming it stems from a misunderstanding of the country’s political situation and does not reflect the positive state of bilateral ties.
The White House has expressed its indignation at the trial of journalist Evan Gershkovich in Russia, reiterating its commitment to securing the release of both him and fellow detained American Paul Whelan. The administration views their detentions as a bargaining chip used by Russia and is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to bring them home.
The US has reiterated its commitment to working with the Maldives to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, amidst the island nation’s increasing ties with China. This pledge was delivered by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a meeting with visiting Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer in Washington, DC. The meeting covered a range of topics including climate change, economic growth, and maritime security, reflecting the US’s strategic interest in the region.
American journalist Evan Gershkovich, accused of spying for the CIA, faced a closed-door trial in Russia. The prosecution alleges he gathered sensitive information about a tank manufacturer, while Gershkovich, his newspaper, and the US government maintain he was merely reporting. The trial is expected to continue for months, raising concerns about the case’s transparency and potential for political motivation.
