Today's News March 10, 2025

 

Today's News March 10, 2025

United States Added to International Watchlist Over Declining Civic Freedoms

The United States has been added to the Civicus Monitor Watchlist due to a rapid decline in civic freedoms under the Trump administration. Civicus, an international non-profit focused on civil rights, announced the inclusion of the U.S. alongside countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Italy, Pakistan, and Serbia. The decision cites various actions by the administration, including mass terminations of federal employees, appointing loyalists to key positions, withdrawing from international organizations like the WHO and UN Human Rights Council, freezing aid, and restricting media access to presidential briefings. Civicus expressed concern that these actions threaten constitutional freedoms and reverse human rights advancements, likening the situation to the McCarthyism era. The U.S. currently holds a "narrowed" civic space rating but is at risk of regressing to an "obstructed" rating. Civicus urges upholding the rule of law and respecting both constitutional and international human rights norms.

U.S. Secretary of State Rubio to Meet Ukrainian Counterparts in Saudi Arabia

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia from March 10-12 to meet with Ukrainian counterparts and hold discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This visit follows a recent conversation between Rubio and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, during which President Donald Trump expressed a desire for a quick resolution to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The Trump administration has recently paused military support and intelligence sharing with Ukraine following a dispute with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on February 28. Zelenskyy also plans to visit Saudi Arabia for a meeting with the Crown Prince on Monday, with Ukrainian diplomatic and military representatives scheduled to meet with the U.S. team on Tuesday.

China Retaliates in Escalating Trade War with the U.S.

China has imposed tariffs of up to 15% on U.S. cotton, chicken, corn, and soybeans in response to President Trump's initial tariffs, marking an escalation in trade tensions between the two nations. Trump is set to add a 25% levy on aluminum imports soon. These measures have raised concerns about a potential global trade war, with markets reacting negatively. The S&P 500 index fell by 1.8%, and the Nasdaq-100 index dropped by 2.6% following the announcements. Economists warn that such aggressive and erratic tariffs could cause lasting damage both domestically and internationally.

Total Lunar Eclipse to Captivate Skywatchers This Week

A total lunar eclipse is set to occur this week, offering skywatchers a chance to witness a celestial phenomenon where the full moon passes directly behind the Earth, traversing its shadow. The eclipse will feature two partial phases and a total phase during which the moon's surface will take on a deep red hue. The entire process will last over three hours: the partial phase will begin at 0509 GMT on March 14, the total phase will start at 0658 GMT, returning to a partial phase at 0731 GMT, and concluding entirely at 0847 GMT. Observers in Europe and Africa will see only the first partial phase, while those in North and South America will witness the entire eclipse. Some in Asia and Australia may also glimpse the final partial phase.

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Joins Columbia University Amid Protests

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has accepted a yearlong fellowship at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs' Institute of Global Politics, despite recent protests and the university's handling of them. Pompeo acknowledges Columbia's shortcomings in maintaining order and preventing harassment, particularly related to protests about Israel. However, he aims to offer diverse viewpoints, promote civil discourse, and serve as a resource for students and faculty. Pompeo emphasizes the importance of voicing different opinions and fostering a safe environment for learning. He remains committed to his role, despite ongoing security concerns and the recent withdrawal of his security detail by the Trump administration.

NASA Astronauts' Extended Stay in Space Not Politically Motivated

NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore stated that politics are not the reason he and fellow astronaut Suni Williams have been in space for nine months longer than planned. The two launched aboard Boeing's Starliner ship in June 2024, but due to spacecraft malfunctions, their return has been delayed. Despite comments from President Donald Trump and SpaceX's Elon Musk suggesting political influence, Wilmore asserted that their extended stay is due to preparations for any unexpected contingencies in human space flight. NASA, lacking confidence in Boeing's Starliner, decided to rely on SpaceX's Crew Dragon for their return, now expected in late March 2025. Wilmore emphasized that their mission is focused on supporting the U.S. and its leaders and has remained professional despite the political discourse surrounding their situation.

Recent Developments in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has seen significant developments recently. On March 2, a summit was held in London, chaired by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, to draft a peace plan for Ukraine. The summit aimed to create a "coalition of the willing" in Europe to present a peace plan, with leaders from 18 states, including Ukraine, participating. Key outcomes included commitments to maintain military aid to Ukraine, ensure its sovereignty in any peace agreement, enhance its defensive capabilities post-conflict, and develop a coalition prepared to defend the terms of any peace agreement.

However, tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine have escalated. On March 3, the U.S. suspended all military aid to Ukraine, followed by a suspension of intelligence sharing on March 5. These actions came after a diplomatic row