October 17, 2025

Mali Slaps $10,000 Visa Bond On All US Travelers In Retaliation

October 17, 2025 2:58 pm

Malian Authorities in Bamako imposes a $10,000 visa bond on all US citizens, escalating tensions as both nations struggle to rebuild strained diplomatic ties.

Mali has imposed a $10,000 visa bond on citizens of the United States, a move described by its government as a direct response to a similar policy introduced by Washington under President Donald Trump. The effective date is Friday October 17, 2025.

The measure, which applies to both business and tourist visas, was confirmed in a statement from Mali’s foreign ministry on Saturday October 11, 2025. Authorities in Bamako said the step was taken “in reciprocity” …

FIFA President Tells Trump: ‘Football Is Bigger Than Any Leader’

October 17, 2025 2:08 pm

FIFA President, Victor Montagliani rebuffs President Trump’s threats to shift 2026 World Cup matches, insisting venue decisions rest solely with football’s global governing body.

FIFA has pushed back against President Donald Trump’s threats to move 2026 World Cup matches between U.S. host cities, saying the tournament’s venues are not under presidential control.

In recent weeks, Trump has repeatedly suggested that games could be relocated from certain cities, particularly those led by Democrats such as New York and Los Angeles. He claimed the moves would be justified on safety grounds and said FIFA President Gianni Infantino would support his decision.

But …

Pakistan, Afghanistan Extend Ceasefire Amid Rising Tensions

October 17, 2025 1:38 pm

Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to extend their temporary ceasefire following a week of deadly border clashes, a senior diplomatic source confirmed on Friday. The truce, initially set for 48 hours, was renewed to allow further talks between the two sides.

A Pakistani delegation has already arrived in Doha, while an Afghan delegation is expected in the Qatari capital on Saturday to discuss conditions for de-escalation, according to officials familiar with the matter. The sources, who requested anonymity, said both governments had shown interest in maintaining calm while pursuing dialogue through diplomatic channels.

The ceasefire comes after a series of …

US Admiral Quits Over Trump’s Controversial Drug Boat Strikes

October 17, 2025 1:28 pm

Admiral Alvin Holsey stepped down from US Southern Command amid reports he questioned the legality and purpose of Trump’s deadly anti-drug operations.

Admiral Alvin Holsey, Commander of the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), has stepped down after reportedly expressing unease over a series of deadly maritime strikes ordered by President Donald Trump against vessels the administration claims were smuggling drugs from Venezuela.

Holsey’s sudden retirement was confirmed Thursday by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who praised the admiral’s 37 years of service and said he plans to retire on December 12, 2025. The announcement comes less than a year after Holsey assumed …

John Bolton Surrenders To Face Classified Information Charges

October 17, 2025 11:20 am

Former U.S. national security adviser John Bolton surrendered to federal authorities on Friday to face 18 criminal charges related to the alleged mishandling of classified information, making him the latest of Donald Trump’s political adversaries to face prosecution.

Bolton, 76, appeared at a federal courthouse in Greenbelt, Maryland, where he was expected to be fingerprinted and photographed before an initial hearing. Prosecutors accuse him of illegally sharing and retaining top-secret materials, including messages transmitted via personal email and encrypted apps.

According to the indictment, Bolton allegedly shared “diary-like entries” containing sensitive intelligence with two unnamed individuals and kept classified files …

Palestinian Boy Killed By Israeli Forces In West Bank

October 17, 2025 10:24 am

A 10-year-old Palestinian boy was shot dead by Israeli soldiers on Thursday during an operation in a village south of Hebron, deepening concern over the growing number of casualties in the occupied West Bank.

The Israeli military said troops opened fire after facing “confrontations and rock-hurling” in the village of al-Rihiya. But local residents insist the shooting was unprovoked, saying the boy, Muhammad al-Hallaq, had been playing football with friends before troops arrived.

“It’s normal, they were afraid and ran back towards the village,” said the parent of another child who witnessed the shooting, speaking to the BBC. “There was …