Weekly News Digest 03.14.2024

Weekly News Digest for March 14th, 2025

Compiled by Lydia Wong, Trinity De Lima, Tobyn Smith, Nila Karunakaran, Layla Jeeth, Mary Wahn

Edited by John Gooden, Lydia Wong, Joey Quinn, Ryan Simons, Sara Anis Ali

Asia and the Pacific

Global Order at Risk as Major Powers Clash Over Iran Sanctions

On Friday, representatives from China, Russia, and Iran convened to advocate for diplomacy over sanctions and military threats, urging the United States to lift its unilateral sanctions against Tehran. The three nations stressed “the necessity of terminating all unlawful unilateral sanctions,” reiterating that political and diplomatic dialogue based on mutual respect remains the only viable means to address Iran’s nuclear program. This latest diplomatic push comes after United States President Donald Trump wrote to Iran’s Supreme Leader, levying new sanctions on the Middle Eastern country as part of his “maximum pressure” campaign. In the letter, Trump holds out for the possibility of military action while emphasizing his belief that a new deal could still be reached. The Trump administration’s reassertion of hardline policies has left the future of diplomatic engagement uncertain, with tensions in the Middle East rising as Iran’s nuclear advancements continue.

The issue of Iran’s nuclear program has been a point of contention in global politics for decades. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Iran, was an attempt to limit Tehran’s nuclear capabilities in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the Trump Administration’s 2018 withdrawal from the agreement led Iran to step away from its nuclear-related commitments, and prompted increased scrutiny from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful energy purposes, yet its growing stockpile of highly enriched uranium has heightened concerns about potential weaponization. European powers have attempted to mediate, but the geopolitical landscape has shifted, with China and Russia seeking to play a greater role in shaping a new deal.

China views engagement in Iran’s nuclear talks as an opportunity to position itself as a counterweight to Western influence. By convening discussions with both Iran and Russia, Beijing signals its commitment to an alternative global order—one less reliant on U.S.-led initiatives. Russia, meanwhile, has strengthened ties with Iran, in the wake of the war in Ukraine, making diplomatic coordination with Tehran strategically crucial. The broader international community remains divided over the approach to Iran, with some advocating for containment through sanctions and others emphasizing engagement to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.

While diplomatic talks have resumed, Iran’s nuclear future remains uncertain. Tehran maintains that it will not negotiate under duress, as Iran’s economy and government have been savaged by U.S. sanctions. With “Iran being closer than ever to nuclear weapons capability”, the international community must decide whether to pursue renewed diplomatic efforts, enforce harsher economic measures, or prepare for potential military confrontations. If a new deal fails to materialize, the risk of conflict in the region could escalate, potentially drawing in global powers beyond just China and Russia.

Central America and the Caribbean

Caribbean Leaders Protest U.S. Criticism of Cuban Medical Missions

Caribbean leaders have united in opposition to the United States' decision to impose visa restrictions on officials associated with Cuba's international medical missions. The U.S. government alleges that these programs exploit Cuban workers and financially benefit the Cuban regime. However, Caribbean nations emphasize the indispensable role these medical professionals play in their healthcare systems.

On February 25, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced expanded visa restrictions targeting foreign government officials linked to the country's labor export programs, particularly its medical missions. Rubio described these initiatives as "forced labor" schemes that enrich the Cuban government while depriving citizens of necessary medical care at home. He stated that Cuba's labor export programs, including medical missions, benefit the Cuban regime while limiting the availability of healthcare for ordinary Cubans.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), comprising 15 member states, has expressed strong opposition to the U.S. stance. Guyana's Foreign Minister, Hugh Todd, highlighted that CARICOM foreign ministers met with U.S. Special Envoy for Latin America, Mauricio Claver-Carone in Washington, D.C. to address these concerns. Todd emphasized the importance of Cuban medical personnel in the region, stating that the issue must be dealt with at the level of heads of government. In Jamaica, Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith noted that the over 400 Cuban medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and technicians, are integral to the country’s healthcare system. In Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Keith Rowley criticized the U.S. policy and expressed willingness to sacrifice his U.S. visa to maintain the Cuban medical partnership. Similarly, St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves highlighted the critical services provided by Cuban doctors, particularly for patients requiring dialysis, and stated he would rather lose his visa than compromise healthcare access for his people.

Since the 1959 revolution, Cuba has dispatched medical professionals worldwide, addressing health crises—from cholera in Haiti to Ebola in West Africa. Approximately 24,180 Cuban doctors currently work in 56 countries to bolster healthcare in underserved regions. The missions also provide significant economic benefits for Cuba, generating between $6 billion to $8 billion annually—around 9 percent of Cuba’s GDP. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez accused Rubio, son of Cuban immigrants, of placing his personal agenda ahead of U.S. interests.

Europe

Huawei Bribery Probe Hits the European Parliament

As part of a bribery investigation, Belgium officials have raided several lobbyist offices linked to the Chinese-owned company Huawei within the European Parliament. The Belgian Federal Prosecutor's Office arrested several individuals on charges of “corruption” and “false documents” for allegedly lobbying Members of the European Parliament to advance Huawei’s commercial interests in the context of political decisions. Belgian prosecutors reported that about twenty- European Union and Huawei offices were searched concerning this probe though no EU lawmakers were among those arrested. 

This is not Huawei’s  first controversy, as concerns have previously arisen over allegations that its phones and telecom networks, including 5G infrastructure, contained Chinese spyware. The United States spearheaded these concerns by banning Huawei technology in America. This latest scandal has put the European Union under further scrutiny, especially following its 2022 Qatar World Cup corruption scandal, where officials were accused of downplaying human rights violations. Nicholas Aiossa, director of the Transparency International EU unit, condemned  the situation as a “mockery of democracy’ and called for “independent oversight” of the 27 member-state body. 

Middle East and North Africa

Syria’s Temporary Constitution Raises Concerns Over Islamist Rule

On Thursday, Syria’s interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa signed a temporary constitution establishing Islamist rule for a five-year transitional period following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December. The insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which led the offensive now claims authority over the war-torn nation, pledging to balance social security and freedom under its governance. The constitution retains controversial elements from the previous regime, including the requirement that the head of state must be Muslim and that Islamic law remains the primary source of jurisprudence.

The temporary constitution also establishes a People’s Committee, serving as an interim parliament until elections are held. Concerns over power consolidation have emerged, as two-thirds of the committee’s members are appointed by a selection panel under al-Sharaa’s control. While the document enshrines freedom of expression and the media, religious and ethnic minorities remain apprehensive about the new regime’s intentions and their exclusion from the transitional process.

The interim government claims it may take up to three years to draft a permanent constitution and up to five years to organize national elections. Despite calls for inclusivity, the hastily-organized national dialogue conference preceding the constitution’s announcement lacked adequate representation of Syria’s diverse political, religious, and ethnic groups. Western governments remain cautious about lifting sanctions imposed during Assad’s rule, citing concerns over the inclusivity of the new political system and protection of minority rights.

Further adding to challenges of stability, hours after the constitution was signed, an Israeli airstrike targeted a Damascus suburb, allegedly striking a command center of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group. The attack underscores the persistent instability threatening the new government’s efforts to consolidate power and gain international recognition amid ongoing unrest.

The temporary constitution may offer a framework for political transition, but doubts over inclusivity and mounting security threats could undermine the new regime’s authority. As Syria grapples with reconstruction and governance, the international community will be closely watching how this experiment in Islamist rule unfolds.

North America

New Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney Sworn in Amid U.S.-Canada Trade War 

Canadian officials swore in Mark Carney, leader of the Liberal Party, Canada’s 24th prime minister, following Justin Trudeau’s resignation earlier this year. After being sworn in, Carney emphasized Canada’s commitment to its sovereignty and stated that he looks forward to speaking with U.S. President Donald Trump in the coming days. Carney’s induction as Prime Minister comes shortly after President Trump made several comments hinting at annexation of Canada as the U.S.’s 51st state. In addition, Canada already placed tariffs on the U.S. in response to duties placed on Canadian steel and aluminum. President Trump originally planned to double the duties but lowered the amount to 25% rather than 50% just before they went into effect. 

It is unclear how this might affect U.S.-Canada relations in the long run, but leaders are already facing public scrutiny over the terms of the trade war and how it may affect diplomatic relations between major countries. 

The increasing pressure of the trade war came during the G7 Summit, where diplomats from advanced democracies met to discuss their support for Ukraine’s security, maintaining peace in the Middle East, and increasing security in the Indo-Pacific, among other topics. During the trip, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied U.S. sanctions on Canada equated to a trade war, while Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly emphasized that the tariffs created a trade war against Canada, whether intended to or not. These statements may highlight both Canada’s and the United States’ desire to respond to the trade war while still keeping diplomatic relations between both countries. It should also be noted that Prime Minister Carney expressed that he would win the trade war against the United States in his victory speech; thus, the trade war is not likely to be short-lived. 

South America

Soccer and Politics: Soccer Fans Join Retirees to Protest Argentinian Austerity Measures

On Wednesday, soccer fans and Argentine pensioners gathered in front of the congressional building to protest the libertarian President Javier Milei’s cuts to retirement pensions. The soccer teams that protested are from rival clubs but are now united under the same message: Diego Maradona. The late football legend died alone in Buenos Aires after brain surgery and his medical team is now facing accusations of medical negligence. His elderly status at the time became the uniting force between the two seemingly unrelated groups of Argentina’s retirees and soccer fans. 

The implementation of these government spending cuts are aimed at reducing inflation but the opposers claim that it came at the expense of Argentina’s most vulnerable. Pension increases are falling short of inflation, and nearly 60 percent of retirees receive only the minimum amount which is an average of about $340 a month. Last year, Congress drafted a legislative act that would have increased pensions, but it was vetoed by Milei. All these actions are motivating forces for soccer fans to support retirees in protest, but now the greater catalyst to protest is the alarming injuries elderly people faced in the recent protests. 

On March 12, the protests in front of the congressional building turned into riots as demonstrators began throwing stones, and police subsequently responded by deploying tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons. Videos of elderly citizens being beaten by police are going viral on social media. Further angering the Argentinian soccer fans, a resolution was passed the same day stating that anyone who engages in violent behaviors or security disruptions are banned from soccer stadiums. This resolution includes all fans involved in the riots this past Wednesday as they will be barred from entering for the foreseeable future. 

Sub-Saharan Africa

World’s Worst Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan

The UN reports that the humanitarian crisis in Sudan is the largest and most devastating in the world. Over 30 million people, 15 million of whom are children, live in the chaos and the catastrophe of the war. Since the onset of the conflict between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the government’s Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in April of 2023, at least 20,000 people have been killed, and sexual violence is on the rise. However, the UN report focuses on the impact of the conflict on children. From June to December 2024, the conflict saw over 900 gross child rights violations cases. Despite this, humanitarian aid continues to be unable to reach children who need it because of administrative obstacles.

The report comes as shelling hit a market full of civilians in the state of North Darfur in an attack by the paramilitary group RSF during the holy month of Ramadan. The attack, which killed six civilians and injured more, occurred at a market near the city of el-Fasher in a camp where over half a million displaced people live. The city is under army control but has been surrounded by the RSF for nearly a year.

As the conflict reaches two years, the SAF is attempting to take back Khartoum, the capital of Sudan. Although reclaiming Khartoum would not end the war, it would be a major victory for the SAF and would encourage the displaced to return. Regardless, the Sudanese public still needs a variety of aid in the form of food, infrastructure support, and healthcare. RSF's use of sexual assault and general use of indiscriminate violence will have a long-lasting impact on the Sudanese people.