live U.S. Embassy in Baghdad targeted by rockets and drones: Middle East conflict on 17 March
The U.S. Embassy in the Iraqi capital Baghdad came under fire from rockets and drones early on Tuesday (17 March), as the the Middle East conf...
Democratic lawmakers protested outside USAID headquarters in Washington, D.C., opposing the Trump administration’s move to shut down the foreign aid agency. Elon Musk, who is leading federal cost-cutting efforts, confirmed that the government is actively working to dismantle USAID.
Democratic lawmakers gathered outside USAID headquarters in Washington, D.C., on Monday, denouncing the Trump administration’s plan to shut down the foreign aid agency.
Representatives Gerald Connolly, Don Beyer, Jamie Raskin, and Senators Chris Van Hollen and Christopher Murphy led the demonstration, warning that eliminating USAID would weaken U.S. global influence and cut off critical humanitarian assistance.
Most USAID employees were instructed to work remotely as the administration moves forward with downsizing federal agencies.
Elon Musk, who is leading Trump’s government efficiency initiative, confirmed in a discussion on platform X that USAID is one of the key agencies targeted for elimination.
Speaking alongside Republican Senators Joni Ernst and Mike Lee, Musk stated that work is already underway to dismantle the agency. The conversation also included former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who expressed support for the move.
A senior White House official later revealed that the administration is considering merging USAID with the State Department, restructuring its operations.
Critics warn that eliminating USAID would reduce U.S. diplomatic influence, cut foreign aid programs, and impact disaster relief and development projects worldwide.
With the administration pressing ahead with federal restructuring plans, the future of USAID remains uncertain, fueling tensions between the White House and Democratic lawmakers.
The other evening, I was fuelling my car at a petrol station in Kenya’s capital. It was one of those small moments most motorists barely notice. The attendant filled the tank, I glanced at the pump price, paid, and drove off.
Iran says it is open to talks with countries seeking safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz - disrupted by recent attacks - as Israel continues to launch wide‑scale strikes on Iranian infrastructure in the west. This live report tracks the latest developments.
President Trump called on countries to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Starmer said the UK is working with allies to restore navigation and stabilise oil markets. It comes as a strike near Iraq’s western border killed several Hashed al-Shaabi fighters, raising regional tensions.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 15 March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials launched a new round of talks in Paris on Sunday (15 March) to resolve issues in their trade truce. The discussions aim to smooth the way for U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of March.
Senior officials from the United States and China met in Paris this week for a new round of trade talks, as the world’s two largest economies attempt to manage their economic rivalry and avoid further tensions.
Court documents released on Monday (16 March) revealed that the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has asked a U.S. judge to dismiss President Donald Trump's $10 billion defamation suit over a 2024 documentary, arguing his re-election proves the edited 2021 speech did not harm his reputation.
Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea on Friday (13 March), according to Poland’s Operational Command.
Russia has imposed a fine of 35 million roubles (around $432,366) on the messaging platform Telegram for failing to remove content deemed illegal by the authorities, according to the Interfax news agency.
Madagascar's president, Michael Randrianirina announced the appointment of anti-corruption chief Mamitiana Rajaonarison as prime minister, six days after dismissing the previous premier along with the entire cabinet.
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