The Weekly Report: August 16-23 2026
United States
A new set of sanctions targeting Cuba’s construction ministry, state-owned companies, and a nonprofit were implemented on Thursday in an effort to increase the pressure on the Cuban regime. Experts in human rights with the United Nations have said the U.S. is culpable in creating a humanitarian crisis in Cuba as a result of its economic sanctions. There have been hints that the Trump administration has wanted to try working with the regime, but ways in which the government could be overthrown also appear to have been looked into.
Asia
The International Criminal Courts president judge, Tomoko Akane, was the latest court official to be targeted in a round of sanctions by the U.S. this week. These sanctions were announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said the “court is corrupt and fatally politicized.” Even strong U.S.-Japanese relations could not prevent the sanctions, as Japanese officials had been urging the U.S. behind the scenes to avoid sanctions against Judge Akane. This move follows similar actions over the last year that have also targeted the court and its officials.
Europe
A potential plot to conduct a deadly political attack is under investigation by Germany’s intelligence services after two handguns and ammunition were found in a forest on the outskirts of Berlin. A man is being investigated for hiding the weapons and ammunition, and he is currently in Romanian custody for a separate issue. Details about the plot have not been released to the public, nor has the identity of the suspect. The suspect is being looked at for conducting foreign agent activity.
Americas
Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada recalled his trade negotiators from Washington over what he saw as a bad trade proposal by the U.S. In a speech he gave on the matter, Prime Minister Carney said: “We were not prepared to compromise Canada’s sovereignty or undermine our key industries.” He also said that Canada was under attack by President Trump’s tariffs. The cause for the collapse of negotiations was reportedly due to unfair demands made by the U.S. delegation towards the end of the talks.
Africa
Of the 20 people who were deported from the U.S. to Liberia this week, five of them refused to deboard the plane. None of the five deportees were citizens of Liberia or had any connection to the African nation. They were later flown to Equatorial Guinea. This is the latest effort by the Trump administration to deport illegal immigrants to nations other than their home nation. Three of the five people were Cuban while one was Brazilian and another Cameroonian.
Middle East
A request to law enforcement agencies around the world by the Turkish government to arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel was announced as part of an investigation into the alleged torture of activists who partook in the Gaza aid flotilla in May. The request for the Interpol red notice came as tensions between Israel and Turkey have been rising over recent days and weeks. Whether or not the request will be granted is up to the international criminal police organization based in Lyon, France.
