28.04.2025 – WEEKLY BRIEFING

Reymonta
5–7 minutes
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  • Istanbul’s strong quake triggers nerves and new pledges to prepare – 24.04.2025

A magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck Istanbul on Wednesday, causing widespread fear and prompting more than a thousand people to seek shelter in mosques, schools, and other temporary locations. The tremor, which occurred just north of a fault line crossing the Marmara Sea, revived memories of past earthquakes, including the devastating 1999 quake and the deadly February 2023 earthquake in southeastern Turkey. While no fatalities were reported, dozens were injured from jumping out of buildings, and minor damage occurred to several structures. Around 1.5 million buildings in the city are at risk, and officials stressed the urgent need for urban transformation. The city’s opposition-run municipality criticized the government’s response, while the government called for collaboration to address the risks. The tremor occurred amid ongoing political tensions, with Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, in prison on politically charged charges.

  • Beijing accuses Washington of ‘misleading the public’ about trade talks – 25.04.2025

China’s foreign ministry denied ongoing tariff negotiations with the U.S. and criticized Washington for “misleading the public,” despite U.S. President Trump’s claims that talks were underway, while confusion persists over reports that Beijing may exempt some U.S. imports from tariffs; tit-for-tat tariff hikes have heavily disrupted trade, raising U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods to 145% and China’s on U.S. goods to 125%, prompting both sides to show tentative signs of easing tensions as economic pressures mount and concerns over global growth intensify.

  • Europe backs Ukraine while still easing it toward the U.S. peace deal – 25.04.2025

European leaders are navigating a sensitive diplomatic situation as efforts to reach a peace deal in Ukraine progress. While continuing to express strong support for Ukraine and President Zelensky’s demands, Europe has introduced alternative proposals to counter a U.S. peace offer perceived as favorable to Russia. Key issues include securing an unconditional ceasefire, providing security guarantees for Ukraine, and addressing the future status of occupied territories. Negotiations remain complex, with concerns about maintaining support without full U.S. involvement and balancing demands for territorial concessions. Talks are ongoing amid differing views on the best path to achieving a lasting resolution.

  • Senior Hamas leaders depart Cairo following ceasefire talks as Trump says ‘We’ve got to be good to Gaza’ – 26.04.2025

A senior Hamas delegation led by Muhammad Darwish concluded talks in Cairo with Egyptian officials on Saturday, discussing a ceasefire, prisoner exchange, urgent humanitarian aid, and Gaza’s reconstruction, with Hamas emphasizing continued efforts to reach a comprehensive deal; while Egypt invited Israel to join negotiations, it remains unclear whether Israel will participate, and no new offer has been received according to Israeli sources, as US President Trump highlighted Gaza’s dire need for aid without detailing US actions, while humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate amid Israel’s blockade and bombardment, resulting in over 2,100 Palestinian deaths since March 18.

  • North Korean leader Kim touts new naval destroyer, blames US for tensions – 26.04.2025

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un unveiled a new 5,000-ton naval destroyer, marking a step toward enhancing his military’s operational range and preemptive strike capabilities. The destroyer is equipped with various weapon systems, including anti-air, anti-naval, and nuclear-capable missiles. Kim framed the development as a response to rising military exercises by the U.S. and its allies in Asia. He also announced plans to acquire a nuclear-powered submarine. The new warship follows North Korea’s earlier unveiling of a nuclear-powered submarine under construction. While Kim has pledged to develop a range of advanced military technologies, some experts question North Korea’s ability to achieve these advancements independently. Kim’s foreign policy focus has shifted toward supporting Russia in its war on Ukraine, raising concerns that North Korea could receive military and economic assistance in return.

  • As Cardinals Prepare to Elect a Pope, One Motto Is ‘Unity.’ That’s Divisive. – 27.04.2025

After the death of Pope Francis, political maneuvering has intensified within the Catholic Church ahead of the upcoming conclave to elect his successor. Conservative cardinals, rallying around the slogan of “unity,” are seeking to roll back many of Francis’ reforms, particularly on issues like the ordination of women as deacons, allowing married men to become priests, and offering communion to divorced and remarried Catholics. Supporters of Francis argue that the call for “unity” is actually a coded effort to return the Church to a more closed, traditional model. Throughout his papacy, Francis promoted cultural diversity and empowered local churches but often had to delay or moderate reforms in order to preserve church unity. As cardinals gather inside the Vatican, the main debate centers on whether the next pope should continue Francis’ path of diversity and inclusion or revert to a stricter traditionalism. The outcome of this ideological struggle will be crucial in shaping the future direction of the Church.

  • Iran and the US hold hours of expert talks in Oman over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program – 27.04.2025

Iran and the United States held in-depth negotiations in Muscat, the capital of Oman, over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program, with both sides describing the talks as serious and constructive, making progress on core principles and technical concerns, although major disagreements remain; further high-level discussions are scheduled for next week in Europe, while a major explosion in southern Iran coincided with the talks, killing 18 people; both parties expressed a shared aspiration for an agreement based on mutual respect and lasting commitments, and U.S. President Trump stated he hoped for a deal but did not rule out military action if negotiations fail.

  • Multiple people killed after car plows into crowd at Vancouver Filipino festival – 27.04.2025

A car drove into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver on April 26, killing and injuring several people. The 30-year-old driver, a Vancouver resident, was arrested at the scene by festival-goers. Authorities have ruled out terrorism but are investigating whether mental health issues played a role. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with bodies scattered on the ground and emergency responders rushing to provide aid. The investigation is ongoing, and police have asked for public assistance. The Filipino BC community, which organized the festival, expressed deep sorrow for the victims, while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney offered condolences to those affected by the tragedy.

  • Panic in Pakistan as India vows to cut off water supply over Kashmir – 27.04.2025

In response to a deadly militant attack in Kashmir, India has suspended the 1960 World Bank-mediated Indus Waters Treaty, which guarantees water supply to Pakistan, pending what it calls the cessation of Pakistani support for cross-border terrorism. Although India currently lacks the infrastructure to immediately halt water flows, it plans to divert water for its own agricultural use and build new hydroelectric projects, while ceasing the exchange of crucial hydrological data. Pakistani farmers and experts express grave concerns about the potential impacts on agriculture, water supply, and the broader economy, highlighting the country’s dependence on Indus River waters for irrigation, power generation, and livelihoods. The move marks a significant shift, as the treaty had survived previous conflicts between the two nuclear-armed nations, and now raises fears of deepening and future conflicts.

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