What You Missed Last Week - 7/21/2025

Your weekly brief - catch up on what you might have missed

United States

President Donald Trump has escalated his aggressive trade stance, threatening a new round of significant import tariffs, ranging from 20% to 50%, on 23 trading partners, including Canada, Japan, Brazil, the European Union, and Mexico. These proposed tariffs would be in addition to existing levies. Countries have until August 1st to negotiate individual trade deals to avoid these increases. This move has been condemned by the EU and Mexico as unfair and disruptive.

Separately, President Trump recently signed the "GENIUS Act" into law, establishing America's first federal framework for stablecoin crypto currencies.

Middle East

Gaza

The conflict in Gaza continues to be severe, with reports of numerous Palestinian deaths, including many seeking food aid. The UN has highlighted that children are dying of starvation before aid can reach them.

Syria

Syria has plunged into a new phase of violence on multiple fronts. Deadly clashes have erupted between rival Druze factions and local Bedouin groups. Syrian forces attempted to intervene to stop the fighting but were attacked by Israeli forces. The IDF claimed their strikes were intended to defend the Druze, and they also targeted Syrian government buildings. This appears to have been a costly misunderstanding of the situation.

Following the strikes, the Syrian government pulled back its forces, but the violence only escalated. Realizing their mistake, Israel eventually allowed government forces to advance in an effort to regain control. Unfortunately, this new Syrian government lacks the proper discipline within its ranks, and some of its forces are reportedly participating in the violence against civilians. The clashes remain ongoing.