TrumpRx Website Launches to Offer Discounted Prescription Drugs for Cash-Paying Americans 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Federal Judge Restores Funding for Gateway Rail Tunnel Project 
U.S. to Begin Paying UN Dues as Financial Crisis Spurs Push for Reforms 
Norway Opens Corruption Probe Into Former PM and Nobel Committee Chair Thorbjoern Jagland Over Epstein Links 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
TrumpRx.gov Highlights GLP-1 Drug Discounts but Offers Limited Savings for Most Americans 
U.S. Sanctions on Russia Could Expand as Ukraine Peace Talks Continue, Says Treasury Secretary Bessent 
Ukraine-Russia Talks Yield Major POW Swap as U.S. Pushes for Path to Peace 
Iran–U.S. Nuclear Talks in Oman Face Major Hurdles Amid Rising Regional Tensions 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Trump Signs “America First Arms Transfer Strategy” to Prioritize U.S. Weapons Sales 
Nighttime Shelling Causes Serious Damage in Russia’s Belgorod Region Near Ukraine Border 
Trump Says “Very Good Talks” Underway on Russia-Ukraine War as Peace Efforts Continue 
UAE Plans Temporary Housing Complex for Displaced Palestinians in Southern Gaza 
U.S. Lawmakers to Review Unredacted Jeffrey Epstein DOJ Files Starting Monday 
The Taliban’s resurgence and eventual control of Afghanistan saw the insurgent group’s conflicts with its rivaling groups escalate in recent weeks. In a move towards possible peace, Pakistan’s authorities have agreed to a one-month truce between the insurgent group.
Pakistani officials and the Taliban had committed to a one-month ceasefire following discussions that started when the insurgent group took control of Afghanistan back in August. The ceasefire would open the possibility of lasting peace that would end years of bloody conflict between both sides. Pakistan’s Information Minister Fawad Chaudry issued a statement, saying that the ceasefire would extend as discussions continue.
“The government of Pakistan and banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan have agreed on a complete ceasefire,” said Chaudry, referring to the separate Taliban movement from the Afghan Taliban that has fought to overthrow the Pakistani government. This version of the Taliban movement, also known as TTP, is placed on the list of foreign terrorist organizations by the US State Department.
The Afghan Taliban was known for their hardline approach to governing Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001. Since taking control of Afghanistan following the collapse of the western-backed Afghan government in August, the insurgent group has pledged to govern differently in the hopes of gaining international recognition. The group has yet to make good on the reforms that the international community has demanded, including having an inclusive government.
In other related news, following the withdrawal by the US and other western forces in the region, many Afghans have expressed fear regarding another Taliban regime in place. According to a report by Al Jazeera, there are Afghans in the more rural parts of the country who believe that the insurgent group’s rule could indeed bring lasting peace to years of military conflict as well as an end to the corruption.
Despite bringing forward democracy during the US occupation of Afghanistan as well as freedoms, especially for women and girls, the nation was still struggling with corruption. Government institutions in Afghanistan have been plagued by allegations of vote-rigging and corruption, and the justice system at the time was also not as effective as its citizens would have hoped.
Foreign troops were also facing accusations of conspiring with warlords, abusing Afghan citizens, and disrespecting Afghan customs.
