US

Trump accuses Obama of 'treason', urges authorities to go after him

US President Donald Trump accused former President Barack Obama of orchestrating a coup against him, urging severe consequences and for authorities to go after Obama. Trump made the comments while speaking with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the Oval Office. He claimed Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Joe Biden were behind a criminal operation, calling Obama the 'ring leader'. Obama's office released a statement dismissing the allegations as 'bizarre' and 'outrageous', and a 'weak attempt at distraction'. The statement also defended the intelligence assessments regarding Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Trump says 'massive' trade deal reached with Japan

US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social a 'massive' trade deal with Japan, claiming Japan will invest $550 billion in the US and the US will receive 90% of profits. Trump stated Japan will open its market to US cars, trucks, rice, and other agricultural products, and pay reciprocal tariffs of 15%. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said he needs to examine details before commenting. The White House and Japanese officials have not formally responded. The announcement follows months of tense negotiations over auto tariffs and levies.

Fayyaz Slams US-Israel Strike on Iran, Says UN Enables Genocide, Calls for Muslim Unity

MDP chairperson and opposition leader Fayyaz Ismail strongly condemned US-Israel airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in a post on X. He accused the US and Israel of aggression against the Muslim world, criticized the UN for enabling genocide, and called for Muslim unity. Fayyaz argued that the UN is no longer a guardian of peace and that new alliances based on faith and values are needed. His remarks were widely shared and praised across political lines.

Washington Think Tank Urges Trump to Restore US Aid Programmes

Scholars at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) have urged the Trump administration to restore US aid programmes to developing countries, arguing that such aid strengthens democracy, counters China's influence, and ensures US security. In a paper published on 15 May, Lisa Curtis, Kareen Hart, and Keerthi Martyn stated that the Trump administration's January 2025 decision to cut nearly all US foreign assistance removed a key tool to compete with the People's Republic of China. They argued that China's Belt and Road Initiative fosters authoritarianism through non-transparent deals, and that US aid can help vulnerable nations choose transparent development. The scholars emphasized that supporting democracy overseas is both a values-based goal and a national security objective.

In Addition to Ukraine and Russia, US Eyes Pakistan’s $8 Trillion Mineral Deposits

The US is eyeing Pakistan's $8 trillion mineral deposits amid efforts to secure resources from Ukraine and Russia. US State Department official Eric Meyer attended an international minerals investment forum in Islamabad, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio proposed cooperation with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. However, China is already entrenched in Pakistan's mining sector, having invited Chinese firm MCC Tongsin Resources. Pakistan has the second largest coal and salt reserves and fifth largest copper and gold reserves. Other obstacles include security issues and potential strain on US-India relations.

Maldives Drops Centerview as Advisor

The Mohamed Muizzu administration cancelled a contract with US investment banking firm Centerview Partners, which had been appointed as debt advisors at a monthly retainer of US$55,000. The reason was not made public. The Maldives' public debt stood at US$8.2 billion (118% of GDP), mostly owed to India and China. President Muizzu had announced measures to reduce spending, but fiscal reforms delayed. Foreign reserves exhausted in August, leading to credit rating downgrades by Fitch and Moody's. India rolled over a US$50 million payment and agreed on currency swap lines of US$400 million and INR 30 billion via MMA, valid until 18 June 2027.

India Faces Fallout from Extraterritorial Assassination Plots

India faces fallout from alleged involvement in extraterritorial assassination plots against Sikh separatists in Canada and the US. Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, including High Commissioner Ramesh Kumar Verma, and India retaliated by expelling six Canadian diplomats. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed evidence linking Indian agents to the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India denied the allegations, calling them 'preposterous imputations'. The tensions have strained India's relations with Canada and the US, with potential consequences for Western alliances. Economic ties with Canada are small, but with the US they are significant, including defense pacts like the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement.

US VP Calls for Gaza Ceasefire Amid Criticism Over US Policy Towards Israel

US Vice President Kamala Harris called for an immediate six-week ceasefire in Gaza during a speech in Selma, Alabama, drawing cheers but criticism for not signaling a shift in US policy towards Israel. Beth Miller of Jewish Voice for Peace Action criticized the Biden administration for only advocating a temporary pause, urging that US influence be used to stop Israel's offensive. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu intends to launch ground attacks on Rafah, alarming the US which says there is no credible strategy to protect over one million civilians there. Eight US senators, including Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, sent a letter to President Biden urging an ultimatum to Israel to increase aid or risk losing military assistance, citing Section 620I of the Foreign Assistance Act. The UK Foreign Office called for an investigation into the Israeli raid on Nasser Hospital on 15 February, which reportedly resulted in at least 13 patient deaths due to power cuts, and the torture of approximately 200 people, including Dr. Ahmed Abu Sabha.

Biden Defends Memory After DOJ Report on Handling of Classified Documents

US President Joe Biden responded to a DOJ investigation led by Special Counsel Robert Hur that found Biden willfully retained and disclosed classified files but did not charge him. The report criticized Biden's memory, citing his inability to recall key life events during a five-hour interview. Biden denied memory issues and blamed staff for misplacing documents. The report also contrasted with former President Trump's case, where Trump allegedly obstructed justice. Trump called for dropping the case against Biden.

President Muizzu, US Assistant Secretary of State Discuss Strengthening Ties

MMPRC Seeks US-Based Agency to Promote Maldives Tourism

The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking a U.S.-based agency to represent the Maldives for one year. The selected agency will develop public relations campaigns to position the Maldives as a preferred tourist destination, monitor outbound US market, and report on competitors. Bidders must have a US office and deposit 20% of the retainer fee. The deadline for registration is 8 February, and the final bid submission date is 22 February 2024. The Maldives has seen a steady increase in tourist arrivals, from 42,000 in 1980 to over 1.8 million in 2023.

US Foils Plot to Kill Sikh Separatist Leader, Issues Warning to India: Report

US authorities prevented a plot to assassinate Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The plot, reported by The Financial Times, raised concerns about Indian government involvement following PM Modi's US visit in June. US federal prosecutors filed a sealed indictment against at least one suspect in New York. Pannun called for a Sikh boycott of Air India on Nov 19. The incident strained diplomatic relations already tense after Canada's PM Trudeau alleged India's involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India rejected Canada's accusations. Pannun denied threatening Air India, saying he called for a peaceful boycott.