Newsflash
Top News from international politic panels and foreign affairs with regular updates and comments.
UNCPD Backs IFJ’s Call for UN Convention to Protect Journalists
24-JULY-2025
The UNCPD has announced its official support for the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its draft UN Convention on the Safety and Independence of Journalists and other Media Professionals.
UNCPD. advocates for international legal standards that protect freedom of expression, democracy, and civil liberties. With this endorsement, the organization joins a growing movement calling for stronger, legally binding international mechanisms to protect journalists and combat impunity.
“Free and independent journalism is under attack globally,” said Miirco Schieren, Secretary to UNCPD. “We fully support the IFJ’s initiative to establish a binding UN convention that compels states to prevent violence against journalists and hold perpetrators accountable.”
The IFJ’s proposed convention addresses the alarming rise in threats, imprisonment, and killings of journalists worldwide. According to IFJ data, over 2,000 journalists have been killed in the past three decades, with the majority of cases going unpunished.
“This is an important step. Civil society plays a crucial role in demanding real protection for media professionals. We appreciate the importnat work of IFJ".
Key elements of the proposed convention include: Legal obligations to prevent attacks on journalists. Rapid and independent investigations of violations. Special protections during armed conflicts International accountability and enforcement mechanisms.
UNCPD emphasized that press freedom is a cornerstone of democratic society and that global action is long overdue.
While several UN resolutions on journalist safety exist, they remain non-binding and largely unenforced. With the UN General Assembly expected to review proposals on journalist protection later this year, endorsements like this help build public and diplomatic pressure for formal negotiations.
The message is clear: protecting those who report the truth is not optional — it’s a global responsibility.
In Memoriam: Dr. James R. Doty (July 17, 2025)
20-JULY-2025
Dr. James R. Doty, M.D., a distinguished neurosurgeon, entrepreneur, author, philanthropist, and founder of Stanford’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE), passed away on July 17, 2025 at the age of 70 .
His death marks the loss of a champion of peace, empathy, and global well‑being.
A Career of Innovation and Compassion
Medical leadership: After earning his medical degree from Tulane University (1981), Doty completed active-duty service as a U.S. Army physician, rising to the rank of Major. He trained at Walter Reed and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia before joining Stanford University as a professor of neurosurgery .
Technological breakthroughs: Combining his surgical expertise and vision, Doty co-founded Accuray and helped bring the CyberKnife robotic radiosurgery system to fruition. When the company was near collapse, he personally invested and led fundraising efforts that revived it, leading to FDA approval and a 2007 IPO valued at roughly $1.3 billion.
Philanthropy and teaching: Doty donated all his Accuray stock—approximately $29 million's worth—to charitable causes when his personal fortunes declined, keeping his commitment to service at the forefront.
Champion of Compassion and Peace
CCARE and global influence: In 2008, Doty founded Stanford’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education, with His Holiness the Dalai Lama serving as founding benefactor. Under his direction, CCARE pioneered empirical studies on compassion training, mindfulness, altruism, and brain-based assessments of empathy.
Bridging science and spirituality: Doty promoted a secular yet deeply humanistic approach to compassion, engaging scientists across disciplines and training individuals globally through Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT).
Institutional leadership: He held leadership roles in several global organizations, including Vice-Chair of the Charter for Compassion, Chair of the Dalai Lama Foundation, and advisory positions at the Parliament of the World’s Religions, the Fogarty Institute, and others.
Scholar, author, speaker: Beyond his scientific writings, Doty shared his life story and teachings in the bestselling memoir Into the Magic Shop, translated into over 40 languages, and served as senior editor of the Oxford Handbook of Compassion Science.
Legacy of Healing and Peacebuilding
Dr. Doty's life exemplified the intersection of therapeutic innovation and global harmony—combining high‑technology surgery with the highest ideals of empathy. His donations funded clinics and HIV/AIDS programs worldwide. He endowed scholarships and chairs to support disadvantaged students, especially at Tulane and Stanford His research influenced peace‑education curricula and influenced leaders and social movements around the globe. In his own words:
“Often when we see immeasurable suffering, we feel overwhelmed. But every one of us has the capacity to make one person suffer less every day.” Let his example inspire us to live with courage, compassion, and commitment to peace.
Dr. James R. Doty leaves behind a legacy that blends surgical mastery with the promotion of kindness, research with real-world empathy, and discipline with devotion to humanity. His passing on July 17, 2025, represents a profound loss—not just to medical science, but to the evolving global movement towards peaceful coexistence and the cultivation of compassion as a force for good.
May his work continue to guide and uplift generations to come.
COMMENT CORNER
How Germany’s Political Press Falters on Global Stage
As Europe navigates an increasingly fractured geopolitical landscape — marked by U.S. isolationism, Russia’s enduring aggression in Ukraine, and China's growing assertiveness — Germany finds itself rhetorically committed to a values-based foreign policy.
Yet, a closer look at the nation's political press reveals a troubling disconnect: a media apparatus that too often fails to critically interrogate the country's foreign policy direction or hold decision-makers to account.
Germany’s mainstream political press, long hailed for its sober, fact-driven reporting, increasingly shows signs of institutional deference, particularly when covering the Foreign Ministry and Chancellery. Outlets like Der Spiegel, FAZ, and Die Zeit — while maintaining high editorial standards — rarely push the envelope on foreign affairs coverage, often recycling diplomatic talking points and official communiqués without meaningful scrutiny. Unlike in the UK or the U.S., where adversarial journalism often punctures political consensus, Germany’s press operates within a consensualist tradition, shaped by postwar caution and a deep-seated aversion to grandstanding. But in an era of moral ambiguity and shifting alliances, such restraint risks complicity.
Ukraine, Gaza, and the Case of Selective Outrage
This timidity was evident in the German press’s uneven coverage of global conflicts. While Berlin’s support for Ukraine is framed as a moral imperative — and rightly scrutinized when it falters — coverage of Germany’s muted stance on Gaza, particularly during the 2024-2025 conflict, was often lacking in depth and critical nuance. Rather than probing the contradictions in Germany’s so-called Staatsräson (reason of state), many journalists echoed official lines or avoided the topic entirely for fear of political backlash.
Critics argue that Germany’s obsession with historical responsibility — especially regarding Israel — has created an environment where dissenting voices are marginalized. As a result, the German media landscape struggles to engage in nuanced, critical discussions about international law, human rights, and Germany’s global role.
Coverage of Germany’s transatlantic ties and its approach to China similarly suffers from a lack of critical distance. As Washington demands more European defense spending and strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific, German journalists often frame these pressures as unfortunate but necessary. The press rarely questions the wisdom of deepening military commitments without a clear parliamentary or public mandate.
Meanwhile, Germany’s economic entanglement with China — particularly its dependency on exports — receives sporadic attention, often framed in abstract economic terms rather than as a matter of democratic values or strategic coherence. Investigative deep dives into lobbying networks, corporate influence, or the ethics of trade with authoritarian regimes remain rare.
Part of the issue lies in the structural limitations of German newsrooms. Foreign desks are underfunded, overseas bureaus have shrunk, and many correspondents rely on wire services rather than on-the-ground reporting. Editors face commercial pressures and often prioritize domestic politics, culture wars, and economic news over complex foreign policy stories that require time, expertise, and contextual nuance. Additionally, the increasing polarization of the media landscape — with left-liberal outlets wary of appearing unpatriotic and conservative ones leaning toward nationalist narratives — has narrowed the window for genuinely critical, internationalist reporting.
Germany likes to imagine itself as a reluctant leader, a moral anchor in a chaotic world. But its political press often fails to live up to this self-image. In an age when information is weaponized, and liberal democracies are tested by both internal decay and external threats, journalism must serve as more than a mirror — it must be a scalpel. Until the German press reclaims its adversarial edge in foreign affairs coverage, the country’s political discourse will remain dangerously insulated. The result? A public that is under-informed, a political elite under-questioned, and a global role under-examined.
Investigative Peace Journalism: Uncovering Truths, Promoting Peace
18-JUNE-2025
In an age where conflict dominates headlines and polarization shapes public discourse, a growing movement within journalism is striving to change the narrative—by not only exposing the roots of violence but also offering pathways to peace.
"Known as investigative peace journalism, this emerging field blends the rigor of investigative reporting with the transformative goals of peace journalism, offering a new model for covering global and local conflicts" explains Mirco Schieren, Secretary to the UNCPD. At its core, investigative peace journalism goes beyond the conventional role of the reporter as a neutral observer. Instead, it positions the journalist as a responsible actor—committed to truth, but also to the constructive potential of storytelling. It investigates the origins and mechanics of war, political unrest, and systemic injustice, but does so through a lens that prioritizes human dignity, peacebuilding, and reconciliation. The UNCPD supports a system of peacekeeping journalism on different fields.
“Traditional investigative journalism often stops at the exposure of wrongdoing,” says Dr. Lena Mahmoud, a professor of media ethics and conflict studies. “Investigative peace journalism goes a step further. It asks: how did this conflict begin, who is suffering, and—critically—what are the viable pathways to peace?”
This approach is particularly relevant in times of escalating global tensions. For example, an investigative peace journalist might delve into the economic interests that fuel a civil war, expose human rights violations committed by both state and non-state actors, and analyze the media manipulation that sustains public support for violence. But instead of leaving the reader with despair, the reporting also introduces grassroots peace initiatives, voices from the affected communities, and expert insights into possible resolutions.
In one such investigation in the Horn of Africa, reporters uncovered how regional power struggles and illicit arms trades were prolonging a deadly insurgency. Rather than merely highlighting the destruction, the journalists featured local peacebuilders—women leading reconciliation workshops, elders mediating tribal disputes, and youth coalitions advocating nonviolence.
Another hallmark of investigative peace journalism is its vigilance against propaganda and disinformation. By dissecting how narratives are weaponized—whether by authoritarian regimes, corporate interests, or fringe movements—these journalists empower the public to critically engage with media and resist the cycles of fear and hatred.
“Every story has victims whose suffering is often ignored,” says Elías Romero, an investigative journalist focused on Latin American conflicts. “Our job is to give them a voice, not as helpless figures, but as active participants in rebuilding their communities.”
Critics sometimes argue that peace journalism risks compromising objectivity. However, proponents counter that all journalism carries ethical choices—what stories are told, whose voices are amplified, and what framing is used. Investigative peace journalism, they argue, makes those choices transparent and intentional, striving for balance and depth over sensationalism.
As conflicts grow more complex and the media landscape more fragmented, the need for journalism that both informs and heals has never been greater. Investigative peace journalism does not shy away from the hard truths—it exposes them. But it does so with a commitment to context, compassion, and constructive change.
"By combining uncompromising inquiry with a vision for peace, this form of journalism offers not just information, but inspiration—a roadmap not only for understanding our world, but for transforming it" is the UNCPD's peacekeepings narrative.
Saudi Arabia Executes Journalist Turki al-Jasser
18-JUNE-2025
Saudi journalist Turki al-Jasser was executed on June 14, 2025, after spending seven years in detention. The organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has strongly condemned the execution, calling it a "cruel act" and a deeply alarming sign of escalating repression of independent voices in the kingdom.
Al-Jasser is the first journalist to be sentenced to death and executed since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman began consolidating power in 2015. RSF Executive Director Anja Osterhaus called on the international community to act: "The execution of Turki al-Jasser is yet another alarming sign of the brutal suppression of independent voices in Saudi Arabia. The international community must now use its influence to end these flagrant human rights violations. Sanctions should also be on the table. Silence makes one complicit."
Turki al-Jasser was the founder of the critical news blog Al-Mashhad Al-Saudi ("The Saudi Scene"), where he reported on sensitive topics such as women's rights, the Arab Spring, and the situation in Palestine. Saudi authorities accused him of running the anonymous X account “Kashkool,” which linked members of the royal family to corruption and human rights abuses.
On March 15, 2018, al-Jasser was arrested during a raid on his home. He was forcibly disappeared, and his electronic devices were confiscated. He was later convicted on charges of terrorism and high treason and transferred to the Al-Ha’ir high-security prison on the outskirts of Riyadh. Almost no information emerged about his detention conditions, and by November 2018, several media outlets and international organizations, including RSF, reported his suspected death under torture.
His execution recalls the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was killed in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018. According to U.S. intelligence, the crown prince personally ordered Khashoggi’s assassination—a killing that sparked global outrage. Al-Jasser’s execution is part of a broader and intensifying crackdown on dissent: since the beginning of 2025, Saudi Arabia has executed at least 88 people. According to Amnesty International, the country ranks among the top three worldwide for executions—behind only China and Iran. Executions of journalists, however, remain rare. The last known case was the December 2020 execution of Ruhollah Zam, director of the Iranian outlet Amadnews.
On the Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index, Saudi Arabia ranks 162nd out of 180 countries. RSF is calling for a firm international response to the kingdom’s ongoing campaign against independent journalism.
Trust on the Brink: New Report Warns of Crisis in European News Media
18-JUNE-2025
Europe is facing a full-blown crisis of trust in the news—and the implications stretch far beyond the newsroom.
The 2025 Digital News Report, released today, paints a stark picture of a continent, and indeed a world, grappling with declining confidence in journalism, rising news avoidance, and a deepening disconnect between the media and the public it serves. Drawing on data from 48 countries across six continents, the report marks its fourteenth year with perhaps its most urgent message yet: trust must be rebuilt, or journalism risks irrelevance.
While global trust in the news remains stalled at 40%, the European landscape is increasingly fragmented. In Finland, trust in news remains robust at 67%. But at the other end of the spectrum, just 22% of people in Greece and Hungary say they trust the news. Germany and the UK have seen double-digit declines since 2015—15 and 16 percentage points, respectively—amid growing political polarization and public skepticism about media neutrality.
Crucially, the report underscores that this isn’t simply a story of audiences being duped by misinformation or turning away out of apathy. It’s a story of alienation.
In countries like Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, and Croatia, over 60% of respondents say they regularly avoid the news. This avoidance, the report argues, is less about disinterest and more about self-preservation. For many, the relentless cycle of bad news—wars, corruption, social breakdown—is emotionally exhausting. “Avoidance is not apathy,” the report notes. “It is often a form of emotional self-defense.”
The contrast with Nordic countries is striking. News avoidance is just 21% in places like Norway and Sweden. The difference? A culture of media that respects, informs, and understands its audience—rather than overwhelming or alienating it.
The findings present a difficult but necessary challenge to the media industry: disengagement is not a user failure, but an industry one.
Audiences aren’t confused about what they want. Across Europe, survey respondents are asking for impartiality, factual accuracy, editorial transparency, and meaningful depth. They want less noise and more substance—fewer algorithm-chasing headlines, more beat reporting by experts, and clear sourcing practices.
Yet despite many journalists already believing in these values, their ability to deliver is hindered. Burnout, resource constraints, and profit-driven priorities often dilute the journalism people are asking for.
The way younger Europeans consume news is also shifting. Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are growing as news gateways, even if weekly news usage remains below 10% in several countries. Influencers—often more relatable than traditional journalists but less accountable—dominate these spaces. Meanwhile, generative AI is gaining traction: 21% of people are interested in AI-recommended news, and nearly one in five already use AI chatbots for information.
But interestingly, when it comes to trust, legacy media brands still hold the edge. This, according to the report, is a critical window of opportunity.
“The challenge for journalism now is not to imitate influencers or surrender to AI,” the report warns, “but to meet audiences where they are—without compromising integrity.” Rebuilding trust, it emphasizes, is a slow and often thankless task. But it’s also essential. That means funding local newsrooms, hiring diverse reporters, resisting clickbait, and—most importantly—listening. Audiences want to be partners, not metrics. They’re not asking for perfection. They’re asking for honesty, humility, and a journalism that stands for more than reach.
Maja Sever, President of the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), echoed the report’s urgency. “The report highlights the importance of journalists in an increasingly hostile environment. Some of its findings are particularly worrying—not only for the profession, but above all for the fate of our democracies,” she said. “Public authorities and publishers must allow journalists to carry out their work with respect for the public and in accordance with professional ethics.”
As the data makes clear, trust isn’t lost overnight, and it won’t be restored quickly. But the message from this year’s Digital News Report is unmistakable: trust can’t be taken for granted—and it must be earned, again and again. Watch the Podcast from Reuters Institute.
IFJ Slams Tech Giants’ Failure to Compensate Journalists in Greece, Urges EU to Act
16-JUNE-2025
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has issued a strong rebuke against major digital platforms for failing to compensate journalists in Greece and across the EU for the use of their work online, despite legal obligations under European law.
Meeting in Montreal on 9 June, the IFJ Executive Committee unanimously adopted a motion calling on the European Commission to take urgent action to enforce the proper implementation of EU Directive 790/2019, which introduced “neighbouring rights” for press publishers and sought to ensure fair remuneration for journalists whose content is used by online platforms.
Six years after the directive’s adoption, the IFJ says results remain "poor"—particularly in Greece, where national legislation includes a provision to guarantee journalists a specific share of revenues from neighbouring rights. Yet, according to the IFJ, digital giants such as Google and Meta have not paid anything.
“Under the guise of opaque revenue calculations, relentless government lobbying, and their entrenched market dominance, platforms have dodged their legal obligations,” the IFJ stated. “They refuse to share even a fraction of their vast profits with the journalists whose work drives engagement and revenue.”
The IFJ also pointed to a lack of transparency and fairness in revenue-sharing agreements between platforms and large media companies. In cases where deals have been struck, journalists are often left in the dark about the sums involved and do not receive a share of the proceeds.
“The current remuneration mechanisms are not only flawed—they’re deliberately rigged against journalists,” the IFJ said.
In response, the Federation is demanding that the European Commission introduce meaningful enforcement mechanisms. Among its key proposals is the establishment of a collective rights management system to ensure that fees for online content use are fairly collected and distributed, including directly to journalists.
The motion adds pressure on EU leaders as scrutiny of Big Tech’s role in the media ecosystem continues to grow. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed digital platform accountability during a press conference at EU headquarters in Brussels on 10 June, underscoring that stronger enforcement of existing media and copyright laws would be a priority in the coming year.
The IFJ says it will actively participate in the Commission's monitoring process and continue to advocate for stronger protections to prevent the unlicensed and exploitative use of journalists’ work online.
COMMENT CORNER
The Role of Diplomacy in Today’s War Times: A Path Toward Peace and Stability
In an era marked by ongoing conflicts and geopolitical tensions, diplomacy remains a vital tool in the quest for peace and stability worldwide. Despite the challenges and complexities of modern warfare, diplomatic efforts continue to serve as the primary means of resolving disputes, preventing escalation, and fostering dialogue among nations.
Today’s war times highlight the importance of diplomatic engagement, which involves negotiations, dialogue, and cooperation among governments, international organizations, and civil society. These efforts aim to de-escalate conflicts, address root causes, and build frameworks for sustainable peace.
While military actions often dominate headlines, diplomacy offers a pathway to solutions that minimize human suffering and promote long-term stability. Initiatives such as peace talks, international sanctions, humanitarian aid negotiations, and multilateral forums exemplify how diplomatic channels can be harnessed to influence outcomes positively.
However, the current global landscape also underscores the need for renewed commitment to diplomatic principles. Trust-building, respect for international law, and inclusive dialogue are essential components in overcoming misunderstandings and fostering cooperation.
In today’s war times, diplomacy is more than just a tool—it is a necessity. It reminds us that even amid conflict, dialogue and negotiation can pave the way toward reconciliation and peace. The international community must continue to prioritize diplomatic solutions, ensuring that the pursuit of peace remains at the forefront of global efforts.
Houthi court sentence against Yemeni journalist Mohammed Dabwan Al-Meyahi
27-MAY-2025
IFJ Condemns Sentencing of Yemeni Journalist Mohammed Dabwan Al-Meyahi and Calls for His Immediate Release
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) strongly condemns the recent sentencing of Yemeni journalist and writer Mohammed Dabwan Al-Meyahi, who was handed a one-and-a-half-year prison term along with a financial guarantee of five million Yemeni riyals (approximately 18,000 euros) by the Houthi-run Specialized Criminal Court in Sana’a on 24 May 2025.
Al-Meyahi’s sentencing follows his sharing of opinions and articles on social media, which the court deemed as malicious and harmful to public security. The journalist was abducted from his home in September 2024 by armed Houthi militants and subjected to enforced disappearance for several months. His trial was marred by violations of fair trial standards, including the reading of the verdict from a mobile phone inside the courtroom, a process that undermines justice and due process.
The Yemeni Journalists Syndicate (YJS), an affiliate of the IFJ, has described the ruling as a clear violation of press freedom and an example of the ongoing repression faced by journalists in Houthi-controlled areas. The syndicate reports that Al-Meyahi was accused of broadcasting inflammatory statements against the state through various channels, including Yemen Shabab, Belqis, Al Jazeera, and Facebook.
Anthony Bellanger, IFJ General Secretary, stated, “This case is a chilling reminder of the deteriorating environment for press freedom in Yemen. The use of the judiciary to silence critical voices is a direct attack on media independence. We stand in solidarity with our colleagues in Yemen and demand the immediate and unconditional release of Mohammed Dabwan Al-Meyahi.”
The IFJ emphasizes that such politically motivated trials are part of a broader pattern of repression in Houthi-controlled areas, where journalists are routinely harassed, detained, or silenced. Al-Meyahi has denied all charges and maintains that he is a journalist exercising his right to free expression.
The IFJ calls on all parties to respect press freedom and human rights, and urges the authorities to release Mohammed Dabwan Al-Meyahi without delay.
Journalists being forgotten on the frontline
12-MAY-2025
Lebanese War Reporter Calls for End to Impunity After Losing Limb in Line of Duty
A Lebanese war correspondent who lost her right leg in a targeted attack during conflict has issued a powerful plea to end the ongoing impunity for violence against journalists.
Christina Assi, a photojournalist working for Agence France Presse (AFP), shared her harrowing experience and called for urgent action to protect media workers in conflict zones. “I believe in nothing right now. Our press vests are turning us into targets, and it’s becoming a death sentence for us,” Assi told UN News.
On 13 October 2023, Assi was covering the ongoing conflict between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants when her team was caught in two Israeli air strikes on an exposed hillside. The strikes targeted the area where she and her colleagues were observing the situation. As a result, Assi lost her right leg, becoming one of the many journalists injured or killed in recent years.
This year’s commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on 3 May highlighted a disturbing trend: more journalists were killed in 2024 than in any other year since the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) began tracking data over three decades. According to CPJ, at least 124 journalists and media workers lost their lives last year, with nearly two-thirds of these victims being Palestinians killed by Israel.
Assi, now among the few survivors, never imagined she would be targeted simply for doing her job. She recounted the traumatic events of that day:
“It was starting to get dark, and we were about to leave when suddenly, out of nowhere, we were targeted,” she said. “The first strike knocked me to the ground, and I was screaming for help. My colleague Dylan rushed to help me and applied a tourniquet. But then, about 40 to 47 seconds later, we were hit again.”
After the second strike, Assi found herself alone beside a burning car, bleeding and gravely injured. With her press vest heavy and her camera belt suffocating her, she managed to crawl away to save her life.
Her experience has shaken her faith in international laws and conventions designed to protect journalists. “As journalists, we are left alone,” she emphasized.
Despite widespread condemnations and calls for investigations from the international community, Assi feels these responses have been ineffective.
“I believe we need more than words. We need concrete action that leads to justice. If not now, then later,” she stated.
She strongly condemns the continued impunity for attacks on journalists, asserting that these acts are not mere collateral damage but constitute war crimes. “There should be a real investigation into these attacks,” she urged.
Assi’s story underscores the urgent need for stronger protections for journalists working in conflict zones and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable to prevent further tragedies.
US- Government plans job cuts in intelligence agencies
07-May-2025
US President Trump Continues Austerity Measures in Intelligence Agencies, Plans Significant Job Cuts
The Trump administration has announced ongoing austerity measures targeting the United States' intelligence community, with plans to eliminate over 1,200 jobs at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) alone. The National Security Agency (NSA) and other intelligence agencies are also affected by these reductions.
According to reports from The Washington Post and confirmed by sources familiar with the matter, the White House intends to implement these cuts gradually over several years. The plan includes reducing hundreds of positions at the CIA, many of which involve employees who have already opted for early retirement. Additional job reductions are expected through a combination of fewer new hires and voluntary resignations, with no immediate layoffs anticipated.
In response to inquiries, the CIA stated that Director John Ratcliffe is working to align the agency with President Trump’s national security priorities. The agency described the measures as part of a "holistic strategy to re-energize the agency, provide opportunities for emerging leaders, and better position the CIA to fulfill its mission."
The NSA and other intelligence entities have also offered voluntary resignation options to some employees, and the CIA has announced plans to lay off an unspecified number of recently hired staff members.
These austerity efforts extend beyond staffing reductions. The Trump administration has also moved to eliminate diversity, inclusion, and equity programs within the intelligence community. A recent legal development saw a judge issuing a preliminary injunction to block the planned dismissal of 19 employees involved in such initiatives, who had filed a lawsuit to prevent their termination.
As these measures unfold, concerns about the impact on the intelligence community’s operational capacity and morale continue to grow. Experts and officials alike are watching closely to see how these changes will influence national security and agency effectiveness moving forward.
Swiss officials must delete chats before US trip
06-May-2025
Traveling to the US? Swiss Officials Prepare for Strict Electronic Device Checks
As the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank kick off in Washington this Monday, many travelers from Switzerland and around the world are preparing for increased security measures at US borders. One notable change is the heightened scrutiny of electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, carried by incoming travelers.
US border authorities are known to regularly search the electronic devices of travelers entering the country. These searches can sometimes include reviewing confidential information stored on these devices. To protect sensitive data, Swiss officials traveling to the US have been instructed to take specific precautions before their trip. They are advised to delete apps, chats, and any confidential information from their devices beforehand. For example, Swiss federal employees are asked to uninstall the federal administration’s email app, delete confidential chats, and block the Threema app with a PIN code. Reinstalling secure apps can be quite cumbersome, so these steps are taken to streamline the process and safeguard sensitive information.
Interestingly, similar measures are already in place for other countries. The European Union, for instance, now only allows its delegation to travel to the US with a burner phone—meaning no confidential data is stored on the device. This approach helps prevent sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands during border searches. Countries like China and Ukraine have also adopted comparable policies for their officials.
It’s worth noting that only diplomats are generally exempt from these extensive procedures, as their luggage can only be searched if there is reasonable suspicion of prohibited items. For most other travelers, including Swiss officials, these precautions are part of standard protocol when traveling abroad, especially to the US.
While these measures may seem strict, they are designed to protect sensitive information and ensure security during international travel. If you're planning a trip to the US, it’s a good idea to review your device’s contents and consider deleting any confidential data beforehand.
