US Global Engagement Under Review by Carnegie Foundation
8.1.25
US President Donald Trump's "flood the zone" strategy, aimed at dominating media narratives, may soon be replaced by a shift towards cooperation and reform among countries excluding the US. A review of multilateral organisations, conventions, and treaties is set to be completed, with recommendations on whether the US should withdraw from them. The Carnegie Foundation expects this review to have a significant impact, potentially upending decades of American global engagement and leading to the abrogation of thousands of treaties and withdrawal from hundreds of multilateral organisations.
US Imposes Visa Sanctions on Palestinian Officials
8.1.25
The US Department of State's Principal Deputy Spokesperson, Tommy Pigott, emphasized the administration's priorities in addressing the Israel conflict, focusing on ending the conflict, releasing hostages, and delivering food to Gaza without it being looted by Hamas. The US has imposed visa sanctions on officials of the Palestinian Authority and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization for non-compliance with past commitments. This move reflects the national security interests and commitment to holding the PLO and PA accountable for undermining peace prospects. US President Trump had previously stated that ending the humanitarian crisis in Gaza requires Hamas to surrender and release hostages. Special Envoy Witkoff and Ambassador Huckabee met with Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, to discuss delivering aid to Gaza, which has become one of the worst humanitarian emergencies, with over two million Palestinians facing widespread destruction and shortages.
The US has agreed to provide preferential trade access to Pakistani goods, including textiles, leather products, and IT services, in a bid to boost exports, improve the trade balance, and generate employment. The new trade agreement, facilitated by high-level engagement between the two countries, has already seen a $12 billion trade volume in 2024, with provisions for collaboration in the oil and energy sector expected to attract foreign investment.
The US has condemned the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) for seeking international support through the International Criminal Court (ICC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing them of supporting terrorism. The US has also imposed sanctions on judges in the ICC involved in issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as the UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, who is tasked with monitoring human rights in Palestine. France, the UK, and Canada have pledged to recognize Palestine's statehood in the UN General Assembly, but Trump regards this as irrelevant, warning it would be a gift to Hamas.
The US has announced plans to send a team led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Ambassador Mike Huckabee to Gaza to inspect aid distribution sites and deliver more food. The visit comes amid international pressure following a starvation crisis, during which over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed while attempting to obtain food, mostly near GHF distribution sites. A senior Hamas official criticized the visit as a "photo opportunity," while a former Palestinian health minister in Gaza, Basem Naim, accused US companies of overseeing "death traps." The US Agency for International Development has found no evidence of widespread theft of aid by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which was created following Israeli allegations of aid diversion.
Vickery Warns Against Trump's Unpredictable Trade Policies
8.1.25
US President Donald Trump's proposed tariff measures have been met with criticism from experts, who stress that India should focus on building sustainable trade relationships rather than prioritizing short-term gains. Vickery notes that India's trade deal with the UK is a model for stability and mutual benefit, contrasting with Trump's unpredictable policies. He praises India's economic potential, technical talent, and vast consumer market, while cautioning against fully opening sensitive sectors to US companies. Vickery urges India to take a leadership role in multilateral trade discussions and resist unfair trade pressures, advocating for a balance between national priorities and global openness on its own terms.
Zelensky Demands Genuine Peace Talks with Putin's Team
8.1.25
Ukraine is willing to meet with Russia at a leader's level to discuss ending the war, but only if it's a genuine effort towards lasting peace, not just delaying sanctions or buying time for war. Ukraine and the international community know who holds power in Russia and demands that they end the conflict.
Aga Khan Network Boosts Tanzania's Economic Growth
7.31.25
Ambassador Amin Mawji, AKDN's Diplomatic Representative to Tanzania and East Africa, discusses the significant role of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in shaping economic development in the region. Under his leadership, AKDN has implemented various initiatives that have improved access to healthcare, education, and infrastructure in countries such as Tanzania. The network's efforts have had a lasting impact on the lives of millions of people in East Africa, with programs like the Aga Khan University Hospital in Dar es Salaam providing high-quality medical care to those who cannot afford it.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese discussed the Gaza crisis with UK counterpart Keir Starmer, reiterating support for a two-state solution for Israel and Palestinians. Britain is prepared to recognize Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September, while Australia has not made a formal decision on recognition.