After a series of missile strikes and escalating tensions, India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire on May 10, 2025, mediated by the United States. The agreement followed India’s Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam attack and Pakistan’s retaliatory Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos. Despite the ceasefire, both nations have reported violations along the Line of Control.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has shifted from being viewed as a pariah to a central figure in global diplomacy. Hosting high-profile peace talks involving Ukraine, Russia, and NATO, Erdoğan’s strategic balancing act has elevated Turkey’s international standing.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced plans to meet with President Erdoğan in Turkey, expressing hope that Russian President Vladimir Putin would join to discuss ending the ongoing conflict. Zelenskyy emphasized that Putin’s participation would signal a genuine interest in peace.
President Donald Trump concluded a significant foreign trip with a state dinner in Abu Dhabi, where he was awarded the Order of Zayed. During his visit, Trump proposed a “freedom zone” in Gaza and emphasized military strength in speeches across the region. He also mocked European nations for their WWII commemorations, asserting that the U.S. was chiefly responsible for the victory.
In a move signaling a de-escalation of trade tensions, the U.S. and China agreed to reduce tariffs on each other’s goods for 90 days. The agreement led to a rally in global stock markets and is seen as a positive step toward constructive relations between the two economic powers.
The UK economy grew by 0.7% in Q1 2025, marking its fastest quarterly growth rate in a year and positioning it as the top performer among G7 nations. Growth was driven by the services and production sectors, with exports rising significantly ahead of new U.S. tariffs. However, economists caution that the growth surge may not last due to potential economic headwinds.
The World Economic Forum is reportedly considering European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde as the leading candidate to succeed Klaus Schwab as its new leader, following his sudden resignation amid an internal investigation.
Macer Gifford, a former British banker who fought against ISIS in Syria, warns of the terror group’s potential resurgence. He cites the risks posed by detained fighters and diminished Western focus, emphasizing the urgent need for international support to thwart ISIS’s revival.