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Ex-Philippine President Arrested On Crimes Against Humanity

🔎 The ICC is going after Duterte for his controversial 'war on drugs', killing 6,000+ people.

🌍 Welcome to this week's Unwestern! We've got a packed edition covering everything from Duterte's arrest to Argentina's pension protests. Dive in, stay informed, and don't forget to share!

Last updated on March 15th at 11:07 PM CT.

Nathaniel Nepomuceno

Asia & the Pacific

Duterte’s Reckoning: Ex-Philippines Leader Arrested, Sent to The Hague

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is reportedly on a flight to The Hague after his unexpected arrest. Duterte, who led a controversial war on drugs during his presidency, killing over 6,000, faces allegations of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC). Political tensions in the Philippines have surged, with Duterte’s allies calling his arrest a politically motivated attack.

Pakistan Train Hijacking: Death Toll Rises to 31 - The death toll from a train hijacking in Pakistan has risen to 31, according to military officials. The attack, carried out by the separatist Baloch Liberation Army, has sparked fears of growing instability in the region. Read more

China’s Mixue Takes on Starbucks in Southeast Asia - Chinese food and beverage brands like Mixue are expanding rapidly in Southeast Asia, challenging Western giants like Starbucks and McDonald's. The trend highlights China’s growing influence in the region’s consumer market. Read more

Middle East

Syria’s ‘New History’: President al-Sharaa Signs Temporary Constitution

Syrian President al-Sharaa has signed a five-year temporary constitution, marking a significant shift in governance. The document stipulates that the head of state must be Muslim, and holds up Islamic law. However it also enshrines freedom of expression, the press, and women’s social, political, and economic rights. While Al-Sharaa reached a pact with US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces in northeastern Syria, it also criticized the constitution.

Trump Strikes Yemen: US Targets Houthis in ‘Decisive’ Attacks - The U.S. has launched major airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, with at least 23 reported dead. President Trump described the strikes as necessary after the Houthis threatened to resume attacks on Israel-linked ships. Read more

Armenia Signals Readiness for Peace Deal with Azerbaijan - Armenia has signaled its willingness to finalize a peace deal with Azerbaijan, raising hopes for a resolution to almost 40 years of conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. The announcement follows months of diplomatic negotiations. Read more

Eastern Europe

Serbia’s Massive Protest: 100,000 Rally Against Corruption

More than 100,000 protesters took to the streets of Belgrade in a massive anti-corruption demonstration, the largest in Serbia in years. The movement began after the collapse of an awning killed 15 people in November 2024, putting significant pressure on President Aleksandar Vučić’s administration. Many Serbians blamed the collapse on government corruption and neglecting construction safety regulations.

Romanians Rally in Support of the EU Amid Election Jitters - Thousands of Romanians gathered to express support for the European Union ahead of upcoming elections. The rally reflects growing concerns about nationalist movements within the country. Read more

Orbán Doubles Down: Hungary’s Leader Defies EU Influence - Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has escalated his criticism of the EU, vowing to curb foreign influence. His speech comes amid increasing tensions between Budapest and Brussels over democratic backsliding. Read more

Latin America & the Caribbean

Argentina Erupts: Protests Over Pensions Turn Violent

Violence erupted in Argentina as football fans and retirees clashed with police during protests over pension cuts. The demonstrations, which began peacefully, turned violent as security forces attempted to disperse crowds. The unrest underscores broader discontent in Argentina, where inflation and economic challenges have fueled widespread frustration.

Colombian President Pushes Referendum on Stalled Reforms - Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro is pushing for a referendum on stalled health and labor reforms. The move seeks to bypass congressional gridlock and appeal directly to voters. Read more

Lost at Sea: Peruvian Fisherman Survives 95 Days Adrift - A Peruvian fisherman who survived 95 days lost at sea has finally returned home. His remarkable journey of endurance has captivated the nation. Read more

Africa

Angola’s Big Moment: M23 Rebels Ready for Peace Talks

Angola has announced that the M23 rebel group is prepared to begin direct peace negotiations on March 18. The talks, aimed at resolving ongoing conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, have been brokered by regional leaders. The war has caused widespread displacement and violence, drawing international concern. While some see the talks as a hopeful step toward peace, skeptics worry that past agreements have failed to hold. The outcome of these negotiations could significantly impact regional stability.

Ethiopia vs. Eritrea: Are They Headed for War? - Tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea are escalating, with fears of a potential conflict. Long-standing disputes and recent border clashes have raised alarms in the international community. Read more

South Africa’s F1 Dreams: Racing Towards a Grand Prix Return - South Africa is pushing to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, aiming to bring the sport back to the continent after 32 years. The proposal has garnered both excitement and debate over its economic impact. Read more

That’s your global recap for the week! Stay curious, stay informed, and catch you in the next issue of The Unwestern!

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