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International Affairs Roundup: Trade, Diplomacy, and Cultural Debates Dominate Headlines
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Several international developments, ranging from trade disputes to cultural exchanges, are making headlines this week. Former U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order threatening tariffs on countries trading with Iran, while also moving to increase beef imports from Argentina. Elsewhere, China overturned the death sentence of a Canadian citizen, and protests erupted in Malawi over new tax measures. In a lighter vein, a cultural debate sparked online after the Ghanaian president wore a traditional outfit in Zambia.
Trump's executive order, issued on Friday, targets nations that continue to trade with Iran. The order does not specify the exact tariff rate, but uses 25% as an example. According to BBC News, the order could apply to goods imported into the U.S. from any country that "directly or indirectly purchases, imports, or otherwise acquires any goods or services from Iran." Trump, speaking from Air Force One, reiterated his stance against Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.
Simultaneously, Trump signed a proclamation to increase low-tariff imports of Argentinian beef. While a White House official announced the move in October, it has sparked fury from U.S. cattle ranchers. Economists, however, suggest the move will have little impact on consumer prices, according to The Guardian.
In a potential sign of improved diplomatic relations, China overturned the death sentence of Canadian Robert Lloyd Schellenberg. Schellenberg was detained on drug charges in 2014, and the move comes as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney seeks to boost trade ties with Beijing, The Guardian reported.
Meanwhile, in Malawi, thousands of businesses closed in protest over the new Electronic Tax Invoicing System (EIS). Demonstrations across the country's four main cities led to a delay in the implementation of the tax regime, which business owners claim will cripple their livelihoods, according to The Guardian. Tens of thousands of people signed petitions presented to tax authorities this week.
Adding a cultural dimension to the news, a social media debate erupted after the president of Ghana wore a traditional outfit called a "fugu" during a visit to Zambia. Some Zambians mocked the outfit, calling it a "blouse," according to BBC World. However, Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema defended the design, stating he would order more of the clothing for himself. Ghana's foreign minister noted the online buzz as a sign of young people reclaiming their cultural roots.
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