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U.S. Pressures West African Nations to Accept Deported Migrants Amid Trump Talks

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

As President Donald Trump hosted leaders from five West African nations at the White House, his administration was simultaneously pushing for those countries to accept more deported migrants from the United States, according to an internal U.S. government document. The proposal, aimed at nations that have historically resisted or delayed the repatriation of their nationals, was sent around the time of the high-level talks in Washington. Current and former U.S. officials confirmed that the initiative is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to accelerate deportations and tighten immigration enforcement. The countries involved in the discussions reportedly included Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, and Ghana — all of whom had bilateral meetings with Trump focused on security cooperation and trade. The push underscores the administration’s growing frustration with foreign governments that are seen as non-cooperative in taking back deported nationals. In recent years, the U.S. has threatened visa sanctions and other penalties to force compliance. While the outcome of the specific proposal remains unclear, it reflects the Trump administration’s use of diplomatic leverage to achieve immigration objectives — a strategy that continues to shape U.S. foreign policy engagement with developing nations, especially in Africa.

Brazil hosts BRICS summit; Russia’s Putin China’s Xi skip Rio trip

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago05 mins

Leaders expected to decry US President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs while presenting the bloc as a defender of multilateralism. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, right, and Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chinh exchange gifts during a meeting at Fort Copacabana, in Rio deLeaders of the growing BRICS group are gathering in Brazil for a summit overshadowed by United States President Donald Trump’s new tariff policies while presenting the bloc as a defender of multilateralism. The leaders, mainly from the developing world, will be discussing ways to increase cooperation amid what they say are serious concerns over Western dominance at their two-day summit that begins in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. The BRICS acronym is derived from the initial letters of the founding member countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The bloc, which held its first summit in 2009, later added Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as full members. It also has 10 strategic partner countries, a category created last year, that includes Belarus, Cuba and Vietnam. But for the first time since taking power in 2012, Chinese President Xi Jinping will not be attending in person, instead sending Prime Minister Li Qiang. Russian President Vladimir Putin will also miss in-person attendance as he is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his role in the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Brazil, as a signatory to the Rome Statute, would be required to enforce the arrest warrant. The notable absences are raising questions over the group’s cohesion and global clout. Now chaired by Brazil, leaders at the BRICS summit are expected to decry the Trump administration’s “indiscriminate” trade tariffs, saying they are illegal and risk hurting the global economy. Global health policies, artificial intelligence and climate change will also be on the agenda. The BRICS countries say they represent almost half of the world’s population, 36 percent of global land area, and a quarter of the global economic output. The bloc sees itself as a forum for cooperation between countries of the Global South and a counterweight to the Group of Seven (G7), comprised of leading Western economic powers. However, behind the scenes, divisions are evident. According to a source quoted by The Associated Press news agency, some member states are calling for a firmer stance on Israel’s war in Gaza and its recent strikes on Iran. The source requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Egypt’s Abdel Fattah el-Sisi will be attending the Rio summit. But Al Jazeera’s Lucia Newman, reporting from Rio, said the group’s aim remains clear. “The BRICS goal is to exert pressure for a multipolar world with inclusive global governance to give a meaningful voice to the Global South, especially in the trading system,” she said. “It’s not super organised, nor does it have a radical global impact,” Newman added. “The real question is, can an expanded BRICS whose members have very different political systems and priorities form a sufficiently unified bloc to have any significant impact?”

Texas Flood Disaster: 50 Dead, 27 Children Still Missing From Summer Camp

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

KERR COUNTY, TEXAS — The search for survivors continues after devastating flash floods swept through central Texas, leaving at least 50 people dead, including 15 children, and 27 children still missing from a Christian summer camp in Kerr County. The floods, fueled by torrential overnight rains, caused the Guadalupe River to rise a staggering 26 feet in just 45 minutes, washing away homes, campsites, and vehicles before dawn on Friday. Authorities say 850 people have been rescued so far. The majority of fatalities were reported in Kerr County, located about 85 miles northwest of San Antonio. Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed that many of the victims were children, including those staying at Camp Mystic, which housed 700 girls at the time of the disaster. Officials say the floodwaters struck suddenly and ferociously while most people were asleep, leading to fears that many were caught unaware. Another girls’ camp in the area, Heart O’ the Hills, reported the death of its co-owner, Jane Ragsdale, though no campers were present at the time. With questions mounting over the adequacy of early warnings, residents and families are demanding answers. “They knew there might be rain, they just didn’t know when or where it would hit,” said Al Jazeera’s Heidi Zhou-Castro. “Evacuations didn’t happen in time.” Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the number of missing, especially among unregistered visitors who were camping near the river for the Independence Day weekend. President Donald Trump responded Saturday, promising federal support and announcing that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem would be deployed to the disaster area. “Our brave first responders are doing what they do best,” Trump said on Truth Social. Emergency officials vow to continue air, ground, and water-based search efforts until every missing person is found. The tragedy draws haunting parallels to a 1987 flood in the same region, which claimed the lives of 10 teenagers from a church camp. As the floodwaters recede, Texas faces tough questions—not only about climate resilience but about how many more lives might have been saved with better preparation.

Trump Doubles Down on Iran Nuclear Claims Amid Doubts Over Strike Effectiveness

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

U.S. President Donald Trump has once again asserted that recent American and Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities significantly crippled Tehran’s capabilities, despite growing skepticism from intelligence sources and the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog. Speaking on Fox News Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo, Trump insisted that Iran was “weeks away” from acquiring nuclear weapons before the U.S. and Israel launched strikes beginning June 13, targeting key facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. He claimed the sites were “obliterated,” and that the operation had “set Iran’s nuclear ambitions back by decades.” However, this narrative clashes with multiple intelligence reports and assessments from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which found no conclusive evidence that the facilities were permanently disabled. IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi stated that Iran could resume uranium enrichment “within months,” raising doubts about the long-term impact of the strikes. An IAEA report last month indicated that Iran had stockpiled over 400kg of uranium enriched to 60% purity—close to weapons-grade—enough to produce multiple nuclear weapons if enriched further. Meanwhile, Tehran maintains that its nuclear programme is strictly for civilian use. Trump dismissed media reports contradicting his version of events as “fake news,” claiming the bomb strikes penetrated the heavily fortified Fordow site with ease. “The bomb went through it like butter,” he said. He also denied reports that Iran had evacuated its enriched uranium from the facility ahead of the attack. On the geopolitical front, Trump revealed that U.S. trade negotiations with Canada were paused over a controversial digital tax. He also confirmed that he had found a group of “very wealthy people” to acquire TikTok, promising to reveal the buyer in two weeks after extending the app’s ban for another 90 days. Trump’s continued defiance on the Iran issue comes as Washington attempts to balance military posturing with diplomatic efforts in the aftermath of the recent 12-day conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the U.S.

Why Trump’s U.S. Airstrikes in Somalia Have Surged Despite America First Pledges

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Despite campaign promises to end America’s “forever wars,” President Donald Trump has sharply escalated U.S. military activity in Somalia since beginning his second term, with airstrikes more than doubling in 2025 compared to the previous year. According to data from the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), at least 43 airstrikes have been carried out in Somalia this year—targeting both ISIL (ISIS) affiliates in Puntland and al-Shabab militants across southern regions. The figure represents a significant increase from 2024 and reflects a renewed military focus on the Horn of Africa. Trump’s first overseas military action this year came on February 1, just 10 days into office, when he announced airstrikes against what he described as “ISIS killers hiding in caves.” Since then, U.S. involvement in global conflict zones has expanded dramatically—from support for Israel in Gaza and Lebanon, to strikes in Yemen and attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Analysts say the Somalia escalation is partly driven by intelligence assessments that IS-Somalia is becoming a growing threat, functioning as a regional financial and operational hub for global ISIL-linked networks. Concurrently, al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda affiliate, has made worrying territorial and strategic gains in recent months, prompting fears of a resurgence. While AFRICOM insists that these operations are conducted in partnership with Somalia’s federal government, human rights groups and security analysts warn that continued reliance on airstrikes risks inflaming anti-American sentiment and undermining long-term stability efforts in the fragile country. Critics argue that Trump’s sharp increase in drone strikes contrasts with his “America First” stance and raises questions about the sustainability of using force over diplomacy and development. “Airstrikes may disrupt militants temporarily, but they don’t build trust, reform institutions, or foster peace,” says Hawa Ahmed, a conflict analyst based in Nairobi. “Somalia needs long-term investment in governance, security reform, and economic development—not just bombs from above.” As the strikes continue and civilian casualties remain a concern, observers warn that the U.S. risks repeating the cycles of intervention that have defined its troubled legacy in Somalia for decades.Tools

NATO Commits to 5% Defence Spending Target Backed by Trump Amid Internal Division

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

NATO member states have agreed to a significant increase in defence spending, pledging to allocate up to 5 percent of their national GDP to military and security-related sectors by 2035 — a major shift largely aligned with the long-standing demands of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The agreement, reached at a summit in The Hague on Wednesday, was described in the summit communique as a “quantum leap” in the bloc’s collective security strategy. The document outlined that member countries would annually invest 5 percent of GDP on core defence requirements and broader security-related expenditures, with a review scheduled for 2029 — notably, after the next U.S. presidential election. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called the development “transformational,” although some alliance members expressed concerns about their ability to meet the target. Spain, Belgium, and Slovakia were among those that acknowledged the ambitious goal may be difficult to achieve due to economic constraints. Former President Trump, who had previously criticized NATO members for not meeting existing defence commitments, welcomed the decision. Speaking at the summit, he said, “They said, ‘You did it, sir. You did it.’ Well, I don’t know if I did it, but I think I did.” The renewed commitment is seen by analysts as an effort to shore up the alliance’s deterrence against Russia and prepare for the possibility of reduced U.S. military engagement depending on the outcome of the 2024 presidential election. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also signaled strong support, announcing that the United Kingdom expects to reach 4.1 percent defence and security spending by 2027. While the pledge underscores NATO’s unity in principle, the stark differences in economic capabilities among member states suggest that meeting the 5 percent benchmark will likely become a key issue of debate in the coming years.

War Powers Act in Focus as Trump Hints at Possible Strike on Iran

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

As tensions escalate in the Middle East, renewed attention is being drawn to the War Powers Act of 1973 amid speculation that former U.S. President Donald Trump may order a military strike on Iran. Trump recently refused to rule out U.S. involvement in Israel’s conflict with Iran, telling reporters: “I may do it. I may not.” While the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the sole authority to declare war, presidential military actions in modern times have largely sidestepped formal declarations, raising fresh questions about the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. Trump’s allies have emphasized that any decision to engage militarily would rest squarely with him, with Department of State spokeswoman Tammy Bruce stating: “He is the singular guiding hand about what will be occurring from this point forward.” However, critics and anti-war advocates argue that Congress must play a decisive role in matters of war and peace, as stipulated under the Constitution. This has prompted some lawmakers to reassert congressional authority through the War Powers Act. The War Powers Resolution, enacted in 1973 during the aftermath of the Vietnam War, requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying armed forces into hostilities. It also limits military engagement to 60 days—plus a 30-day withdrawal period—unless Congress authorizes continued involvement. Legal experts note that while the act exists to check presidential powers, it has rarely been enforced. Previous administrations, including Trump’s, have carried out strikes abroad—such as the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in 2020—without prior congressional approval. “Presidents have often cited national security and self-defense to bypass formal authorization,” said Ayodele Oni, a constitutional analyst. “The courts have also been reluctant to intervene in these political questions.” The last time the U.S. formally declared war was in 1942 during World War II. Since then, successive administrations have conducted military actions in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Libya, and elsewhere without formal declarations of war. Should Trump move forward with military action against Iran, Congress could invoke the War Powers Act to force a withdrawal. However, enforcement would likely face political hurdles, including the possibility of a presidential veto and the challenge of securing a two-thirds override in both chambers. As diplomatic tensions rise, the debate over war powers underscores the enduring struggle between executive authority and congressional oversight in U.S. foreign policy.

Middle East

What Is Iran’s Fordow Nuclear Facility and Could US Weapons Destroy It?

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago06 mins

The Fordow nuclear facility in Iran has once again come under global scrutiny amid heightened tensions following Israeli airstrikes and speculation about potential US military involvement. As concerns grow over Iran’s nuclear capabilities, many are questioning whether the fortified site could be destroyed — and what risks it poses. What Is the Fordow Facility?Located 30km northeast of Qom, deep in Iran’s mountainous terrain, Fordow was initially constructed as a military installation for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) before being converted into a uranium enrichment site. The facility lies hundreds of meters underground, making it one of Iran’s most heavily fortified nuclear sites. Iran formally disclosed its existence to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 2009, only after Western intelligence services uncovered its secret development. Why Is It Significant?First site where uranium enriched close to weapons-grade levels was found: In 2023, IAEA inspectors detected particles enriched to nearly 90% purity — the threshold for weapons-grade uranium. Capacity: Fordow is equipped to hold nearly 3,000 centrifuges, a small portion compared to Natanz (which has capacity for about 50,000), but its location deep underground makes it more defensible. Symbolic and strategic value: Fordow’s continued operation is often cited by the West as a major obstacle to reviving the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA). Has Fordow Been Hit or Damaged in Recent Attacks?Following Israel’s massive strike on Iran’s Natanz facility, missiles also targeted Fordow. However, according to IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, no visible damage was recorded at Fordow or at the Khondab heavy water reactor. This suggests Fordow remains operational, unlike Natanz, which sustained both above-ground and suspected underground damage. What Happens at Fordow?Fordow’s original role was to enrich uranium up to 20% U-235 — far above the 3.67% permitted under the JCPOA but below weapons-grade. Since the US withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018, Iran has resumed higher enrichment levels at the site. Uranium enrichment involves concentrating the fissile U-235 isotope. Weapons-grade uranium requires enrichment levels of 90% or more, which Fordow is technically capable of producing. What Did Iran Agree to Under the JCPOA?Under the 2015 JCPOA, Iran agreed to: By 2017, these conditions were met — until the agreement began to collapse post-2018. Can the US Destroy Fordow With Airstrikes?Not easily. Military analysts agree that Fordow’s deep underground location makes it extremely difficult to target with conventional weapons. To neutralize it, the US would likely require: In short, Fordow is not invulnerable, but destroying it would require serious firepower and likely a coordinated air campaign, not a single strike. What’s Next?With the Israel-Iran conflict escalating and the JCPOA effectively dormant, Fordow represents both a flashpoint and a symbol of Iran’s nuclear resilience. Whether the U.S. will attempt military action there remains uncertain, but any such move would risk widening the current conflict — and dragging the world’s most volatile region into deeper chaos. Bottom line:Fordow is a hardened, operational nuclear facility, vital to Iran’s enrichment program. While not untouchable, it’s built to withstand conventional strikes, and any U.S. attempt to neutralize it would be a major military gamble with significant regional consequences.