Latest news for 10 July 2025

UNITED STATES

Et tu, Brazil?

President Trump has fired off seven more trade letters, including one to Brazil’s President Lula imposing 50% tariffs from August over Brazil’s approach to US social media companies, plus the ongoing trial of former leader Jair Bolsonaro. Separately, Trump’s global 50% copper tariffs also now kick in from 1 August. (Rio Times)

YEMEN

Houthis sink second ship in a week.

Houthi drones have sunk a Liberian-flagged cargo ship crossing the Red Sea, leaving at least three crew members dead. The Houthis say they targeted the Eternity C over its links to Israel. (AP)

Comment: After almost two years of withstanding various military responses, the Houthis can still make the world question the viability of this critical waterway. Supply chains and insurance premiums will increasingly now just price it all in.

AFGHANISTAN

The ICC wants the Taliban.

The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for two top Taliban officials, holding them criminally responsible for the regime’s treatment of women and girls. Since its 2021 return, the Islamist group has banned girls from education past the sixth grade, and has effectively banned women from public spaces. (CNN)

EUROPEAN UNION

What’ve you done for me lately?

Barely seven months into her second term as Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen now faces a confidence vote in the European Parliament today (Thursday). She should survive, but a bad showing could still dent her leadership. (Politico)

HAITI

You can check out, but never leave.

The gangs now controlling most of Haiti’s capital just burned down the country’s beloved Hotel Oloffson, which has famously housed celebs like Mick Jagger and once inspired Graham Greene’s novel The Comedians. (Guardian)

Comment: The hotel was in an area being targeted by one of the city’s resurgent gangs. Whatever the specifics, it’s a vivid illustration of how the Kenya-led peacekeeping mission is still on struggle street, with Haiti’s beleaguered administration now reportedly leaning more on private mercenaries.

SOUTH SUDAN

You’re fired.

President Kiir has dismissed his army chief, seven months after appointing him. Kiir has offered no explanation, though the young country is grappling with renewed instability as an ethnic armed group clashes with the military. (AfricaNews)

NEW ZEALAND

Crypto crackdown.

Wellington is planning to ban crypto ATMs and put a $5k limit on international cash transfers, in an effort to clamp down on money laundering. (The Block)