Weekly Brief

Welcome to the tut0ugh Weekly Brief. This past week, Trump signed the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ into law, Hamas signalled potential support for a US-backed Gaza ceasefire, and Russia formally recognised the Taliban government. Meanwhile, Thailand’s prime minister was suspended after a leaked call, the US navigated rising tensions with Colombia, and the UK restored diplomatic ties with Syria.

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Trump signs ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ into law

US President Donald Trump has signed a wide-ranging policy bill into law after a narrow vote in Congress. The 870-page legislation includes extended 2017 tax cuts, a $150bn boost to defence, and $100bn for border enforcement. It eliminates taxes on tipped income, overtime, and seniors’ Social Security but cuts Medicaid funding and scraps several clean energy tax credits. The Congressional Budget Office warns up to 12 million could lose healthcare cover. Critics say the bill favours higher earners; 60% of benefits go to those earning over $217,000.

In response, Elon Musk announced the launch of the “America Party”, criticising the bill and promising to back candidates against its supporters.

Hamas signals openness to US-brokered Gaza ceasefire proposal

Hamas has said it responded “in a positive spirit” to a US-brokered ceasefire proposal, signalling readiness to begin talks on a 60-day halt to fighting, the release of hostages, and steps toward ending the conflict. US President Donald Trump called it a “final proposal” and suggested a deal could be reached as early as next week.

While mediators Egypt and Qatar confirmed progress, issues remain—particularly over aid delivery, the Rafah crossing, and Israeli troop withdrawals. Israel has not formally responded, but a delegation will travel to Qatar for talks. Prime Minister Netanyahu maintains Hamas must be disarmed, a demand the group rejects.

Russia recognises Taliban government as tensions grow with Azerbaijan

Russia has formally recognised the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan, becoming the first country to do so since the group took power in 2021. Moscow accepted credentials from a new Afghan ambassador and cited shared concerns over terrorism, particularly Islamic State Khorasan (ISKP). The Taliban remains under international sanctions and unrecognised by the UN.

Meanwhile, Russia faces a deepening diplomatic rift with Azerbaijan after two Azerbaijani brothers died in Russian custody. Baku accuses Russian police of torture, while Moscow cites medical causes. Azerbaijan cancelled a senior Russian visit, suspended cultural ties, and detained two Russian media staff. Tensions have escalated since a Russian missile downed an Azerbaijani plane in 2024, as Baku increasingly asserts independence from Moscow.

Thai PM suspended amid leaked call controversy

Thailand’s Constitutional Court has suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra while it reviews a petition calling for her removal. The case centres on a leaked phone call in which she referred to former Cambodian PM Hun Sen as “uncle” and criticised a Thai military official, sparking political backlash.

The court voted 7–2 in favour of suspension. Deputy PM Suriya Jungrungruangkit is serving as acting leader during the review. Paetongtarn has 15 days to respond.

If removed, she would be the third Shinawatra family member ousted from office. Her government faces growing pressure over economic issues and falling support, while her father, Thaksin, is on trial for lèse-majesté, further fuelling political tensions.

US-Vietnam trade deal strains ties with China; US-Colombia relations sour

The US and Vietnam have signed a new trade agreement, reducing proposed tariffs on Vietnamese goods from 46% to 20%. However, a 40% tariff will apply to goods deemed “trans-shipped”—widely interpreted as targeting Chinese products routed through Vietnam. China criticised the deal, warning it may respond if its interests are harmed.

The agreement is part of a broader US effort to secure trade deals ahead of a 9 July tariff deadline under President Trump’s trade plan. Analysts say these deals aim to limit China’s export influence.

Separately, US-Colombia relations have deteriorated, with both nations recalling top diplomats. Tensions have risen over alleged coup plots, policy disputes, and the resignation of Colombia’s foreign minister.

UK restores ties with Syria as part of broader regional reset

Britain has resumed diplomatic relations with Syria, with Foreign Secretary David Lammy visiting Damascus—the first UK ministerial visit in 14 years. Lammy announced £94.5 million in humanitarian and reconstruction support, focused on education and infrastructure. The visit follows the Islamist-led ousting of former president Bashar al-Assad and the end of Syria’s 13-year civil war.

In April, the UK eased sanctions by unfreezing assets linked to Syria’s central bank, though measures targeting former regime figures remain. Lammy met Syria’s new leadership and called for an inclusive political transition, highlighting benefits for regional stability, migration, and counterterrorism. The move aligns with US-led efforts to reintegrate Syria into international systems.

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