Dhat distills the news to its core so you can interpret events for yourself. Each day we gather thousands of stories from around the globe and highlight important connections. Our renowned briefings help both analysts and news junkies organize a messy world with greater efficiency.
Government surveillance powers in African nation's latest digital legislation raise global privacy concerns and draw international criticism for overreach...
The US government has issued a formal warning regarding Zambia's new cybersecurity law, highlighting its exceptionally intrusive nature compared to global standards. The legislation grants unprecedented government surveillance powers, raising significant privacy concerns and exceeding typical regulatory frameworks. The law's extensive digital monitoring capabilities have sparked international criticism.
Bipartisan Senate delegation meets President Lai as Taiwan boosts military spending and semiconductor partnerships amid regional tensions...
Senators Ricketts, Coons, and Budd visit President Lai, Minister Koo, and adviser Wu in Taiwan. Despite Trump's 32% tariffs and criticism, Taiwan pledges $100B US semiconductor investment. Defense Secretary Hegseth and Commerce Secretary Lutnick engage as Taiwan increases military spending to 3% GDP, developing drones against potential Xi Jinping aggression.
UN Ambassador Dorothy Shea's stance marks dramatic departure from initial Russia condemnation, highlighting growing rift with European allies...
Career diplomat Dorothy Shea, highest-ranking U.S. UN representative, embodies America's foreign policy shift. Initially condemning Moscow's unprovoked aggression, she later voiced Trump administration's break from European allies on Ukraine war's third anniversary. Her extended tenure, following Stefanik's withdrawn nomination due to House majority concerns, reflects disruption of post-WWII order.
Finance Minister to address Trump's devaluation claims at G20, IMF gatherings as potential talks with Treasury Secretary Bessent loom...
Japan Finance Minister Kato will attend G20 and IMF meetings in Washington, possibly meeting Treasury Secretary Bessent Tuesday. Kato rejected Trump's March accusations that Japan and China devalue currencies for trade advantages, citing Japan's yen-buying intervention as evidence. The Nikkei reported the potential bilateral meeting amid U.S. interest in exchange-rate discussions.
80-page agreement grants US access to critical resources while establishing joint investment fund, potentially including security guarantees against Russia...
Ukraine and US signed a minerals deal memorandum in March 2024, granting US access to critical minerals, oil, and gas. Economy Minister Svyrydenko and Treasury Secretary Bessent formalized the 80-page agreement, establishing an equally-managed Investment Fund for reconstruction. Following Trump and Zelensky's White House clash, the deal includes potential US security guarantees for a Russian ceasefire.
UN warns of rising tensions between rival governments, as economic crisis and xenophobia threaten stability in post-Gadhafi era...
UN envoy Tetteh reports Libya's post-2011 Gadhafi overthrow crisis persists with east-west rival administrations. Despite 2020 ceasefire, armed mobilizations threaten Tripoli while southern tensions rise. Presidential elections remain disputed. Economic challenges include central bank devaluation, prompting international audit proposals. Rising xenophobia forced humanitarian organizations' closure amid migrant violence and hate speech.
Militant group dismisses 45-day ceasefire offer for 10 hostages, as Palestinian death toll surpasses 51,000 and humanitarian crisis deepens...
Hamas rejected Israel's 45-day ceasefire proposal for 10 hostages, demanding war's end and prisoner exchange. 59 hostages remain (24 alive) from October 7 attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages. Israeli retaliation killed 51,065 Palestinians, including 37 at al-Mawasi camp. March 1 blockade continues as 12 aid groups warn of collapse. Israel reports 100 terror targets struck.
Agreement grants US priority access to Ukrainian minerals as military aid repayment, with final signing expected next week pending ratification...
Ukraine and US signed memorandum on minerals deal, with Svyrydenko announcing economic partnership and reconstruction fund establishment. Trump expects final 80-page agreement signing next week, Treasury Secretary Bessent confirms. Zelensky noted constructive intentions for online signing. Deal grants US privileged access to Ukraine's minerals as military aid repayment, pending parliamentary ratification.
Former president proposes easing trade tensions by connecting social media platform's fate with broader economic concessions between world's largest economies...
Trump's Oval Office statement addresses US-China economic clash, citing Xi's tight control and officials' outreach despite public entrenchment. He proposes linking reduced tariffs (US 145%, China 125%) with TikTok's US operations sale to 'best companies' and trade concessions. A 5-minute TikTok discussion could naturally accompany broader negotiations, pending Chinese approval.
New $90B economic partnership agreement marks significant reduction from initial $300B proposal, as Trump pushes for Putin ceasefire talks...
Trump announced US-Ukraine minerals deal signing Thursday with Meloni present. Agreement, following Zelenskiy-Trump-Vance clash, includes reduced aid estimate from $300B to $90B after Washington negotiations. Svyrydenko confirmed Economic Partnership Agreement memorandum. US-controlled reconstruction fund established post-2022 invasion. Trump seeks Putin ceasefire while criticizing Zelenskiy's leadership.
Opposition forces seize Damascus after 53-year regime crumbles, ending brutal civil war that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives since 2011...
Syria's December 2024 revolution at the Lebanese border ended the Assads' rule (1971-2024), marked by torture, detentions, and vandalism. Opposition forces captured Damascus and Aleppo, ending a civil war that killed hundreds of thousands since 2011. While street vendors, taxi drivers, and shoe-cleaners freely discuss politics in Umayyad Square, questions about democracy and Islam loom.
Agreement ties American reconstruction support to strategic mineral access, requiring Ukrainian parliamentary approval amid ongoing conflict with Russia...
Ukraine and US signed a Memorandum of Intent for Economic Partnership and Investment Fund for Reconstruction, following Washington negotiations. The deal, requiring parliamentary approval, includes strategic minerals royalties compensating Biden's aid, as proposed by Trump. Svyrydenko and Zelenskyy confirmed the agreement, emphasizing infrastructure modernization and military guarantees against Russian aggression during the three-year war.
Rwanda agrees to remove M23 rebels from key mining regions after intervention by Massad Boulos, restoring stability to mineral-rich territory...
Trump advisor Massad Boulos secured Rwanda's intervention to remove M23 rebels from Walikale, Goma, and Bukavu. The rebels, earning US$800,000 monthly through smuggling routes to Rwanda, caused mass displacement. UN reports confirm minerals cross the Rwanda border illegally. US-investor-owned Alphamin resumed operations at its global-leading tin mine.
Proposed 49% tariffs threaten regional economies caught between US-China trade tensions, with Vietnam and Indonesia already feeling impact...
Trump's proposed tariffs (32-49%) threaten Southeast Asian economies balancing US-China relations. Vietnam's electronics sector faces 46% tariffs while battling Chinese competition. Indonesia lost 250,000 textile jobs; China's $3.5tn exports (16% to Southeast Asia) and 90% ownership of Cambodian factories dominate regional trade. Nations implement protective measures amid Xi Jinping's diplomatic push against US trade policies.
Macron-led Paris negotiations face setbacks amid rising tensions, while Russian attacks continue despite diplomatic efforts to broker peace...
Macron hosted Rubio and Witkoff in Paris peace talks after consulting Zelenskyy, who later accused Witkoff of spreading Russian narratives. Trump's stalled peace efforts face challenges with Russia rejecting Ukraine's ceasefire acceptance. Yermak discussed security architecture and multinational forces with European advisers. Russian attacks killed 12 despite energy target agreements. European leaders stress Ukraine's negotiation role.
Nine-year-old Mahmoud Ajjour, who lost both arms in Israeli strike, becomes powerful symbol of civilian suffering in Gaza conflict...
Samar Abu Elouf's 2025 World Press Photo shows 9-year-old Palestinian Mahmoud Ajjour, who lost both arms in March 2024 Israeli attack. Following Hamas's October 7 assault killing 1,200 Israelis and taking 251 hostages, Israel's response killed 51,000 Palestinians, including 876 infants, wounding 116,000. Selected from 59,320 entries across 141 countries, the image epitomizes war's civilian toll.
Italian PM secures Trump's Rome visit while discussing NATO spending, EU trade tariffs, and shared conservative values...
Trump and Meloni's Washington meeting, following Starmer's February visit, focused on US-EU trade deals, immigration, and defense. Meloni, promoting Italy's economic success and pledging to reach NATO's 2% requirement from 1.49%, secured Trump's Rome visit to meet EU leaders including Von der Leyen. They discussed Trump's suspended 20% retaliatory and 10% baseline tariffs while sharing anti-woke stances.
House China Committee challenges JPMorgan and BofA's involvement in CATL's $5B Hong Kong listing amid national security concerns...
House China Committee chair Moolenaar urged JPMorgan's Dimon and BofA's Moynihan to exit CATL's Q2 2024 $5B Hong Kong IPO. The lithium iron phosphate battery maker, Tesla's Shanghai supplier, faces scrutiny over Defense Department's military designation, potential submarine fleet supply, and alleged Uyghur labor ties. The IPO would be Hong Kong's largest since Kuaishou's $6.2B offering.
Senior officials in Beirut call for comprehensive prisoner swap while accusing Israel of derailing negotiations through unrealistic demands...
Hamas officials Al-Hayya and Hamdan announced in Beirut on November 21, 2023, readiness for complete hostage-prisoner exchange. Al-Hayya rejected partial agreements, accusing Netanyahu of pursuing war of extermination and starvation. Egyptian and Qatari mediators failed to revive January ceasefire in Cairo talks. Hamas demands Israeli withdrawal from Gaza while Israel allegedly imposed impossible conditions.
5.7 million face severe food insecurity as gang violence and inflation cripple aid distribution, forcing desperate survival measures...
UN reports 5.7M Haitians face severe hunger, up from 386,000 in 2018, with 8,400 in shelters at risk of starvation. UNICEF confirms 2.85M children suffer food insecurity. Gang-controlled roads and 30% inflation cripple food distribution. Former bus driver Jean-Jacques survives on sugar water, while some like Jean Rose-Bertha resort to prostitution. CARE's Dickler warns women eat last.
UN reports 71 civilian casualties from Israeli strikes since ceasefire, while Lebanese officials cite over 2,700 violations resulting in 190 deaths...
Lebanese military detained Hamas-linked Palestinians for March rocket attacks. UN reports 71 civilians dead (14 women, 9 children) from Israeli strikes post-ceasefire. Minister Morcos cited 2,740 violations, 190 killed, 485 injured. October 2023 conflict killed 4,000 Lebanese before November ceasefire. Hezbollah denies involvement; Hamas claims members' innocence.
World Food Programme suspends operations in Houthi-controlled regions as humanitarian crisis deepens, affecting millions of food-insecure Yemenis...
WFP Deputy Director Carl Skau suspended aid to Houthi-controlled Yemen after $1.6M Saada warehouse seizure. Houthis detained UN staff and US Embassy personnel, one dying in custody. 62% of households lack food, affecting 17M of 40M population. WFP serves 3M in Houthi north/central regions, 1.6M in government-controlled south. Yemen imports most food.
Ukrainian President criticizes diplomat Witkoff's 5-hour Putin meeting and suggestions of US-Russia diplomatic restoration amid territorial disputes...
Zelensky condemned US envoy Witkoff's Russian narrative promotion following a 5-hour Putin meeting about disputed territories: Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Crimea. After Russia's 2022 invasion and 2014 Crimea annexation, Witkoff suggested US-Russia diplomatic restoration and commercial opportunities during Paris talks with Rubio. In March, Zelensky questioned Witkoff's real estate background.
Tech giant loses $266B in market value as US restrictions on AI chip exports threaten up to $16B in revenue losses..
Nvidia stock fell 3% Thursday after 7% Wednesday decline following US China export ban. $5.5B Q1 hit from H20 chip restrictions cut market cap to $2.47T, losing $266B. JPMorgan predicts 8-10% revenue drop ($15-16B), Jefferies estimates $10B. Post-Trump Mar-a-Lago dinner with Huang, restrictions surprised analysts. Huang visited Beijing while announcing $500B US AI infrastructure investment.
State Department confirms private sector involvement in strategic partnership as negotiations advance between Washington and Kinshasa...
The United States and Democratic Republic of the Congo are negotiating a minerals deal, with Washington determining next steps. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce announced on Thursday that the agreement will include private sector partners. The diplomatic process continues to develop, with more announcements expected in the near future.
Italian PM receives 90-day tariff pause assurance as US maintains 25% levies on European goods while EU suspends retaliatory measures...
During Italian PM Meloni's White House visit, Trump guaranteed a fair EU trade deal within the 90-day tariff pause. US maintains 25% levies on European cars, steel, aluminum, and other goods, while EU suspended retaliatory measures. Responding to reporters, Meloni affirmed US reliability and Western unity. Trump praised their bilateral relationship.
37 Palestinians killed in recent strikes on safe zones, while aid groups warn of humanitarian crisis amid ongoing conflict that has claimed over 51,000 lives...
Israeli strikes killed 37 Palestinians in al-Mawasi, Beit Lahia, and Jabalia since March 1 blockade. Conflict began with Hamas killing 1,200 Israelis, taking 251 hostages October 7. Total Palestinian deaths reach 51,065. Aid organizations warn of humanitarian collapse. Israel proposes ceasefire for hostage release and Hamas disarmament. MSF treats victims from tent fires.
On bicentennial, French President acknowledges 150 million gold franc payment forced on Haiti after independence, equivalent to billions in today's currency...
On the 200th anniversary of April 17, 1825, President Macron acknowledged France's unjust demand of 150 million gold francs from Haiti, compensation for lost colony and enslaved labor after their slave revolt independence. The Caribbean nation paid 90 million through French and American banks until 1947, worth billions today. A joint commission will examine this history.
Supreme Court decision follows regional trend, marking significant change in Moscow's stance despite ongoing concerns over Taliban's governance and human rights record...
Russia's Supreme Court lifted Taliban's terrorist designation, following their 2021 Afghanistan takeover post-US/NATO withdrawal. Despite promises of moderation, Taliban imposed strict Shariah law and restrictions on women. Following Soviet-Afghan War history, Russia joins Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in policy shift. Despite UN concerns, Taliban maintains China/UAE ties while engaging with Trump administration through prisoner exchanges.
Meeting in Bangkok addresses earthquake relief and peace efforts as Myanmar faces mounting humanitarian crisis with 3 million displaced...
Myanmar's Min Aung Hlaing met Malaysia's Anwar in Bangkok over March 28 quake killing 3,725, injuring 5,106. Post-2021 coup against Suu Kyi, 3 million displaced. Despite continuing airstrikes, talks with Thaksin present addressed ASEAN's failed peace plan, aid deployment, ceasefire extension. UN warns of food crisis. ASEAN bars junta leadership. Anwar to meet resistance government.
Nations address 1971 war crimes, compensation demands, and explore trade opportunities in first high-level meeting since 2009...
Bangladesh-Pakistan diplomatic talks resumed March 2024 after 15 years. Foreign Secretaries Uddin and Baloch discussed Bangladesh's demands for Pakistan's apology for 1971 war crimes (3 million killed, 200,000 raped) and $4.52 billion compensation. Following Hasina's 2008 victory and 2010 Islamabad meeting, discussions focused on trade, agricultural cooperation and bilateral potential.
Orbán announces ICC withdrawal after court demands explanation for failing to detain Israeli PM on Gaza war charges...
ICC initiated proceedings against Hungary for failing to arrest Netanyahu over Gaza war charges during his Budapest visit. Orbán defended non-compliance, announced ICC withdrawal, claiming political bias. Hungary's parliament never enacted ICC statute. Court oversight warned Hungary pre-visit. Will be sole EU non-member among 125 signatories. Response due May 23.
Beijing demands respect as 145% tariffs remain, while both superpowers wait for the other to make first diplomatic move...
Trump expressed confidence in a China trade deal when asked about calling Xi Jinping. China's Commerce Ministry demanded respect and end to pressure on the world's second-largest economy. Despite relaxing tariffs for other trading partners, 145% levies remain on Chinese goods. Superpowers disagree on who should initiate talks.
Provincial government suspends procurement restrictions while maintaining bans on U.S. liquor and lottery terminals amid diplomatic progress...
Alberta Premier Smith's government pauses anti-Trump tariff procurement policies after March announcement, maintaining bans on U.S. liquor and lottery terminals pending trade renegotiation. Minister Nally cites Trump administration's tariff pause for diplomatic progress. Previous policy restricted purchases by government agencies, school boards, municipalities. Local buying campaign continues.
New commission examines controversial 19th-century payment as Haiti grapples with current crisis of gang violence and political instability...
Macron establishes French-Haitian commission studying the 150m franc debt (reduced to 90m) imposed in 1825 after Haiti's 1804 independence, paid until 1947. Writer Monique Clesca tells Le Monde this recognition could ease historical pain. Haiti now faces 5,500 gang-related deaths, 1 million displaced residents, economic chaos, while its transitional council struggles with election planning.
Italian PM extends visit invitation amid discussions over potential EU tariff hikes, with 90-day negotiation window narrowing...
At Thursday's meeting, Trump and Meloni discussed EU trade negotiations during 90-day window. Tariffs could rise from 10% to 20% without deal. Meloni invited Trump to Italy, proposed EU official meetings, noting she cannot negotiate alone. Trump expects fair deal, maintains unhurried approach, predicts little difficulty while foreign leaders race for agreements.
Brussels considers digital ad revenue restrictions and semiconductor duties in response to US tariffs on steel, aluminum and automobiles...
EU considers export restrictions after Trump's €380B tariffs on EU goods, including 25% on steel, aluminum, and cars. Von der Leyen targets tech ad revenue while Sefcovic meets Lutnick and Greer. 90-day tariff pause follows US rate reduction to 10%. Meloni-Trump talks continue as EU explores retaliation amid China's rare earth restrictions and semiconductor duties.
Company faces $5.5B charge over H20 chip restrictions, dragging down semiconductor stocks amid growing US-China trade tensions...
Nvidia's 3% drop and $5.5B charge over H20 chip restrictions led tech losses. AMD fell 1%, affecting Broadcom, Micron, and Super Micro Computer. Bank of America warned of broader AI stock impacts. Wedbush analysts expect few tech updates amid this 'Twilight Zone backdrop,' anticipating continued US-China trade tensions before negotiations resume.
Board of Deputies members break ranks in Financial Times letter, warning of moral crisis as Gaza death toll surpasses 51,000...
36 of 300+ Board of Deputies of British Jews members published unprecedented criticism in Financial Times, warning 'Israel's soul is being ripped out.' Following Hamas's October 7 attack (1,200 killed, 251 hostages), Israel's response caused 51,065 Gaza deaths, including 1,691 since March 2 aid blockade. President Rosenberg opposed the criticism.
Qatar mediates diplomatic talks as Moscow seeks to secure military presence in Syria under post-Assad leadership..
During Moscow talks, Qatar's Emir Al Thani informed Putin that Syria's interim president al-Sharaa, who replaced Assad in December, seeks to maintain historical and strategic ties. Russia aims to retain two military bases amid sectarian violence, focusing on Syria's sovereignty and humanitarian aid to Syrian people.
95% of humanitarian operations suspended amid conflict, leaving 2 million Palestinians dependent on dwindling food aid and basic supplies...
Gaza faces total humanitarian collapse under Israel's blockade. 95% aid operations halted after October 7 Hamas attack killed 1,200 Israelis, took 251 hostages. Israeli offensive killed 51,000 Palestinians, claims 20,000 militants. 90% population displaced, 3,600 children malnourished. 2M+ rely on charity kitchens providing 1M basic meals daily.
European leaders and diplomats discuss ceasefire proposals and multinational peacekeeping force amid rising tensions and recent Russian attacks...
Macron hosted Paris talks with Rubio, Witkoff, Kellogg, and European officials on Ukraine security. A 30-country coalition discussed peace enforcement while Yermak proposed ceasefire and multinational forces. Recent Saudi Arabia negotiations, Witkoff's Putin meeting, and a deadly Dnipro drone attack framed discussions. Russia rejected comprehensive ceasefire demands amid planned offensive preparations.
Italian PM navigates delicate trade talks amid Trump's tariff demands and diverging views on Ukraine, as economic growth slows...
Italian Premier Meloni meets Trump March 14, coordinating with von der Leyen on EU-US 1.6 trillion euro trade relations. Despite suspended 20% tariffs and Italy's 40 billion surplus, Trump seeks 10% baseline rate. They differ on Ukraine support, reconstruction plans, and Italy's 1.49% NATO spending. Trade war uncertainty drops Italy's growth to 0.5%. US gas imports discussed.
Kristalina Georgieva calls for rules-based trading system as world's largest economies grapple with intellectual property disputes and economic uncertainty...
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, speaking before IMF-World Bank spring meetings in Washington, addressed US-China trade tensions. She highlighted US grievances over China's intellectual property practices and non-tariff barriers, while noting China seeks stable economic engagement. The world's largest economies must reduce uncertainty and establish fairer, rules-based trading for global economic stability.
UN warns of system collapse as 90% of Gaza's population faces displacement and thousands of children suffer malnutrition amid ongoing blockade...
Israel's Gaza blockade following Hamas's October 7 attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages has resulted in 51,000 Palestinian deaths. Recent strikes killed 23 more. The crisis has displaced 90% of Gaza's 2 million residents, with 3,600 children treated for malnutrition in March. UN warns of humanitarian system collapse.
Russian leader receives letter from Khamenei amid U.S. military buildup and enrichment disputes, highlighting Moscow's delicate diplomatic balancing act...
Khamenei's envoy delivers Putin letter amid U.S.-Iran nuclear tensions, with Washington deploying warplanes despite positive Oman talks. Western powers accuse Iran of weapons-grade enrichment, which Tehran denies. Russia-Iran's 20-year partnership and weapons trade complicate dynamics, though Moscow opposes military action and seeks to prevent regional nuclear escalation.
Spaniel Billie found in Rafah months after surviving October 7 assault on Kibbutz Nir Oz, where owner Rachel Dancyg endured 8-hour siege...
Rachel Dancyg's spaniel Billie survived Hamas' October 7 attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz, where 400 residents faced death or capture. Found in Rafah by soldier Aviad Shapira, Billie responded to Hebrew after Dancyg's 8-hour safe room ordeal. The attack killed 1,200, including Alex Dancyg (76) and Itzhak Elgarat (68), took 250 hostages, and led to 51,000 Palestinian deaths. 60 hostages remain captive.
Moscow courts Taliban as regional ally against ISIL, eyes Afghanistan for gas exports despite international concerns over women's rights...
Russia's Supreme Court, through Judge Nefedov, suspended Taliban's 20-year terrorist designation on prosecutor's request. Putin named Taliban counterterrorism allies against ISIL, planning Afghanistan as gas export hub. Despite women's rights concerns, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan delisted Taliban, while China, India, Gulf states maintain diplomatic ties. Lavrov pledges expanded cooperation.
Aid workers face deadly violence while providing humanitarian relief, as yearlong civil war continues to devastate local communities...
Since April 15, 2023, Sudan's civil war has seen RSF controlling Khartoum until the army's recent recapture. Hadhreen's food kitchens faced RSF violence, including a supervisor's killing in August 2024. Grassroots networks like Emergency Response Rooms workers in Khartoum North reported deaths from both RSF and army-aligned groups while providing humanitarian assistance.
Iran's uranium enrichment nears weapons-grade levels as diplomatic tensions rise, while Saudi Arabia pursues regional peace through Chinese mediation...
IAEA chief Grossi meets Iran's Eslami and Araghchi during critical US-Iran nuclear talks. Iran enriches uranium to 60%, nearing 90% weapons-grade, having abandoned its 2003 program. Trump threatens airstrikes. IAEA faces inspector restrictions. Saudi Minister Prince Khalid visits post-2023 Chinese détente while seeking Houthi peace in Yemen.