Germany: conscription to be reintroduced?
Germany’s conservative leaders have argued that the country should quickly reintroduce compulsory military service. Friedrich Merz, leader of the new CDU/CSU government, argues that Europe must take greater responsibility for its defence, especially given NATO’s uncertain future. Defence spokesman Florian Hahn says the suspension of conscription ‘no longer fits the current threat situation’, and wants to see new conscripts before the end of 2025. Merz also supports a mandatory year of military or community service to strengthen personnel numbers. While conscription remains controversial, cross-party support for it is increasing. A new system, put in place by the previous government, will require 18-year-old men to complete a questionnaire about their interest in the army and their physical condition; for women it will be optional. A contingent of men and women will then be invited to a selection process. Without immediate action, Germany’s armed forces risk severe shortages in the coming years.
Tariffs: Trump targets Canada, Mexico, China
Donald Trump has imposed a 25% duty on imports from Canada and Mexico and doubled tariffs on Chinese goods to 20%. He says that all three countries have failed to do enough to stem the flow of the deadly opioid fentanyl. These measures could disrupt over $2.2 trillion in trade. China immediately retaliated, announcing new tariffs on US agricultural products and export restrictions on 25 American firms, including those linked to arms sales to Taiwan. Canada and Mexico also pledged countermeasures, with Canada targeting US goods such as beer, wine, and home appliances. Ontario premier Doug Ford even suggested halting nickel shipments and electricity exports to the USA. China, already facing heightened tariffs on semiconductors and electric vehicles, expressed frustration, accusing the US of violating trade agreements. With trade tensions escalating, global markets remain uncertain as major economies brace for economic fallout.
Tunisia: forty opposition figures put on trial
The trial has begun of forty prominent Tunisian opposition figures accused of conspiring against state security. The proceedings sparked outrage as nine detained defendants were forced to attend remotely, a move decried as a violation of fair trial standards. Families of the accused and demonstrators outside the courthouse demanded transparency and judicial integrity, chanting against political repression. While critics regard the trial as part of president Kais Saied’s crackdown on dissent, some citizens support his actions, blaming the opposition leaders for economic hardships. International organisations, including Amnesty International and the UN, have condemned the mass prosecution as a sign of Tunisia’s democratic decline. Meanwhile, the country’s economic crisis deepens, with inflation, unemployment, and stalled IMF negotiations adding to public discontent. The outcome of the trial could shape Tunisia’s political future and global standing.
Pakistan: suicide bombers target military base
At least twelve people were killed and thirty wounded in a deadly militant attack on a military base in Bannu, northwestern Pakistan. Two suicide bombers detonated explosive-laden vehicles near the base’s wall, allowing several attackers to attempt entry before being eliminated. The attack occurred after sunset, when many would have been breaking their Ramadan fast. A Taliban-linked group, Jaish Al-Fursan, claimed responsibility. The explosions damaged homes, causing roofs and walls to collapse, killing civilians, including four children. A nearby mosque was also severely impacted, with the imam among the dead. Prime minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the assault, and the province's chief minister has ordered an investigation. This was the third militant attack in Pakistan since Ramadan began, continuing a pattern of escalating violence in the region. Security forces remain on high alert following the assault.
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