Weekly Brief

April 13, 2025

Welcome to the tut0ugh Weekly Brief. This past week, Sudan sues the UAE over alleged genocide complicity, Iran and the U.S. resume nuclear talks, and Israel and Türkiye seek to avoid conflict in Syria. Meanwhile, the EU opens free trade talks with the UAE, Argentina secures a major IMF deal, and Zelenskyy claims Chinese fighters are in Ukraine.

First time reading? Stay ahead of current events. Sign up here.

Feel free to send us feedback at [email protected]

Sudan takes UAE to International Court over alleged complicity in genocide

The International Court of Justice has begun hearings on Sudan’s case accusing the United Arab Emirates of complicity in genocide for allegedly supporting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan’s civil war. Since April 2023, the RSF has battled Sudan’s army, displacing over 12 million people and devastating Khartoum.

Sudan claims the UAE supplied arms, drones, and training to the RSF, which has been accused of ethnic cleansing in Darfur. The UAE denies all allegations, calling them “legally baseless and politically motivated.” Despite credible reports from UN experts and US lawmakers, the UAE insists it supports neither side in the conflict.

Iran, US hold 'positive' talks, agree to resume next week

The US and Iran held high-level talks on Saturday (Apr. 12), marking a significant step toward resolving tensions over Iran’s nuclear program. US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi engaged in over two hours of indirect negotiations, agreeing to continue talks next week.

President Trump aims to secure a deal that would dismantle Iran’s uranium enrichment program, but Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei insists on maintaining it. Tehran has long denied seeking nuclear weapons, but Western countries and Israel believe Iran is covertly pursuing the means to build an atomic bomb. The West says Iran’s uranium enrichment has surpassed civilian needs, reaching 60% fissile purity, a technical step from bomb-grade levels.

Israel and Türkiye begin talks to avoid conflict in Syria

Israel and Türkiye have begun talks to prevent clashes in Syria as both expand their military presence in the country. Türkiye, now the main foreign power after Syrian rebels ousted Bashar al-Assad in December, aims to combat Kurdish and ISIS militants with support from Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa. Israel, targeting Assad-era military assets, has established a “buffer zone” in southwest Syria and recently struck air bases, including one Türkiye planned to use.

The first “deconfliction” meeting took place in Azerbaijan on Wednesday (Apr. 9), with Israeli, Turkish, and U.S. officials present. Israel is concerned about Turkish air defences limiting its freedom in Syrian airspace.

EU and UAE launch free trade talks amid global trade tensions

The EU and UAE have agreed to begin negotiations on a free trade agreement, aiming to boost cooperation in key sectors like renewable energy, AI, and critical raw materials. The deal, part of a broader Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), seeks to reduce tariffs, improve market access, and strengthen bilateral ties. The EU is the UAE’s second-largest trading partner, while the UAE is the EU’s top export destination in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Separately, the EU and China are exploring minimum price commitments for Chinese electric vehicles to avoid high tariffs imposed last year. The moves come amid global trade tensions following U.S. tariffs under President Trump.

Germany: CDU/CSU and SPD announce coalition government deal

Germany is set to form a new government after the Christian Democrats (CDU), their sister party the Christian Social Union (CSU), and Social Democrats (SPD) reached a coalition agreement 45 days after a snap election. Key compromises include tax cuts, pension stability, and welfare reform. The parties agreed to abolish express citizenship, requiring five years of residency for naturalisation.

They vowed to stop illegal immigration while maintaining rent controls and encouraging legal immigration. The coalition aims to modernise Germany and boost competitiveness. Final approval from SPD members and the CSU’s executive committee is expected within 10 days. CDU leader Friedrich Merz is likely to become chancellor in early May.

Argentina seals $20 billion IMF deal, tears down currency controls

Argentina secured a $20 billion, 48-month deal with the IMF, which will release $12 billion by next Tuesday (Apr. 15). In preparation, the government dismantled currency controls and allowed the peso to fluctuate between 1,000 and 1,400 pesos per dollar. The IMF program aims for fiscal stability and greater exchange rate flexibility.

Additionally, Argentina will ease capital controls, enabling companies to repatriate profits. However, the deal faces risks, including global trade tensions, political instability, and social unrest. Prior to the IMF agreement, Argentina saw a major 24-hour strike led by unions, disrupting transportation and services in protest against austerity measures and labour reforms under President Javier Milei’s government. Workers are demanding reinstated employees and a halt to privatisations.

U.S.–China trade war intensifies as Trump pauses 90-day global tariffs

President Trump announced a 90-day pause on global tariffs for most countries while sharply escalating the trade war with China. A new 125% tariff on Chinese goods—on top of an existing 20%—brings the total rate to 145%. China responded by raising its tariffs on US imports from 84% to 125%, effective April 12, accusing the US of disrespect and economic aggression.

Meanwhile, the EU agreed to suspend its countermeasures for 90 days to allow room for negotiations. Later in the week The White House exempted key tech products like smartphones and computers from the new tariffs, following pushback from US companies concerned about rising consumer prices.

Zelenskyy claims Chinese fighters in Ukraine as Europe increases military support

Ukrainian President Zelensky has accused Russia of recruiting at least 155 Chinese citizens to fight in Ukraine, marking Kyiv’s first formal claim of Chinese involvement. Two alleged Chinese fighters were recently captured. Beijing denied the claims, reiterating its neutral stance. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s parliament is expected to extend martial law beyond May 9, with officials citing the impracticality of elections during war. Nearly five million are internally displaced, and millions more have fled abroad.

On the military front, European allies pledged €21bn in support, including artillery, drones, and air defence systems, with Germany and the UK leading contributions. Simultaneously, Donald Trump’s envoy held talks with Putin, though ceasefire negotiations remain stalled.