Asia

Pakistan Accuses India of Planning Fresh Attacks

Pakistani foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in a press conference claimed of receiving reliable intelligence reports about India planning a military attack in the second half of April. Relations between the two countries are stressed post an attack on Indian military convoy in the disputed territory of Kashmir.

‘Since the beginning of the Pakistan-India crisis earlier this year, Pakistani officials have attempted to lay claim to the moral high ground: portraying Indian politicians as cynical warmongers, who pushed for military action against Pakistan in order to cash in on nationalist sentiment during India’s elections (due to start this week). News of this alleged planned Indian attack comes as authorities in Delhi face increasing pressure from their own public – their claims to have shot down a Pakistani plane, and struck a militant training camp in Pakistan in February look increasingly dubious.’ Secunder Kirmani wrote for BBC News

Middle East & North Africa

Libya on the Verge of Another Civil War as LNA Progress Towards Tripoli

The Libyan National Army (LNA) leader General Khalifa Hifter has ordered an advancement of his forces towards the country’s capital of Tripoli sparking fears of major clashes with rival groups. Libya is currently lead by the United Nations backed Government of National Accord.

‘Although the United States has officially backed the Tripoli Government of National Accord, continued American ambivalence on Libya or, worse, active support for General Hifter, could push Libya into greater conflict. This disorder could strengthen the Islamic State, which carried out a spate of attacks in Libya last year.’ Frederic Wehrey and Jeffrey Feltman wrote for The New York Times.

Sub Saharan Africa

Ethiopian Airlines Pilots Were Unable to Prevent Clash Despite Following Instructions

The investigating team into the incidence of Ethiopian Airlines 737 Max that crashed last month killing 157 people claims that the crew of the plane correctly followed Boeing’s emergency instructions but were still unable to stop the plane’s nose repeatedly pointing down.

‘With hundreds of 737-Maxs grounded worldwide and thousands of orders now on ice, with some of those possibly in jeopardy, the commercial impact of this episode is still evolving.’ Tom Burridge wrote for BBC News.

Europe

Theresa May Bets it All in Last-Dump Offer to Deliver Brexit

British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Tuesday she would look for another Brexit postponement to concur an EU separate from arrangement with the restriction Labor pioneer, a last-dump gambit to break an impasse over Britain’s takeoff that irritated numerous in her party.

‘Theresa May has faced many crucial moments in her quest to make Brexit happen. She has also taken risks that have not paid off — especially her decision in 2017 to call an unnecessary election that resulted in her throwing away her party’s majority in Parliament. Now, May is about to make her biggest gamble yet, and whatever happens, it is likely to be her last as Prime Minister. Amid howls of protest from her own Conservative ranks, May is seeking a compromise Brexit deal with the opposition Labour party.’ Jane Merrick for CNN

‘In a statement issued on Saturday night, Mrs May said after doing ‘everything in my power’ to persuade her party – and its backers in Northern Ireland’s DUP – to approve the deal she agreed with the EU last year, she ‘had to take a new approach’. ‘We have no choice but to reach out across the House of Commons,’ the PM said, insisting the two main parties agreed on the need to protect jobs and end free movement.’ BBC reported

Americas

US Homeland Security Chief Nielsen Resigns Amid Border Turmoil

Kirstjen Nielsen will abandon her post as secretary of Homeland Security, President Donald Trump reported on Sunday, featuring the organization’s internal unrest over rising dimensions of unlawful migration only days after the president sponsored off a danger to close the U.S.- Mexico fringe.

‘US Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, who oversaw President Donald Trump’s bitterly contested immigration policies during her tumultuous 16-month tenure, has resigned amid a surge in the number of migrants at the border with Mexico. Trump announced Nielsen’s departure on Sunday, underscoring the president’s intent to toughen immigration policy amid a surge in illegal crossings along the southern border.’ Al Jazeera reported.

Ms Nielsen first joined Mr Trump’s administration in January 2017 as an assistant to the former Homeland Security chief John Kelly. She became Mr Kelly’s deputy when he moved to become White House chief of staff, but returned to lead her former department later that year. Ms Nielsen defended border policies such as holding children in wire enclosures in the face of strong condemnation and intense questioning by Democrats in Congress. BBC News reported.