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Greece’s Asylum Freeze Sparks Global Outcry Amid Crete Migrant Surge

In a move that has ignited fierce backlash from human rights organizations and the United Nations, Greece has passed legislation temporarily halting asylum applications from migrants arriving by sea from North Africa. The three-month suspension, approved by parliament with 177 votes in favor and 74 against, allows for expedited repatriation without prior identification. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis defended the measure as a “difficult but necessary decision” in response to a sharp rise in irregular arrivals, particularly from Libya to the island of Crete. Over 7,000 migrants have reached Crete and nearby Gavdos this year, straining local resources and prompting concerns from the tourism industry. Rights groups, including the International Rescue Committee, have condemned the ban as illegal and inhumane, warning it violates international and European law. The UNHCR echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the right to seek asylum is a fundamental human right regardless of how or wh...
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Trump Orders 30-Day Review to Reinforce U.S. Sanctions on Cuba

In a move signaling a return to hardline policy, President Donald Trump has directed top Cabinet officials to conduct a comprehensive review of U.S. sanctions on Cuba, with recommendations for tougher measures expected within 30 days.

The presidential memorandum, issued Monday, instructs agencies to focus on curbing financial transactions that benefit the Cuban government, military, or intelligence services. It also proposes halting all U.S. tourism to the island and limiting educational travel to groups organized solely by American citizens.

This directive marks a sharp reversal of the Obama- and Biden-era efforts to normalize relations with Havana. Trump’s order reaffirms support for the decades-old economic embargo and opposes international calls for its termination.

Cuban officials swiftly condemned the move. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez labeled it “criminal behavior” that violates the human rights of the Cuban people. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the policy shift, calling it a necessary step to hold the Cuban regime accountable.

The administration has also reinstated visa restrictions and revoked protections for thousands of Cuban nationals, further tightening the screws on bilateral engagement.



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