**Summary:** Cuban officials recently held conversations with representatives of the US government, confirmed by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez. These discussions aim to find solutions to bilateral differences through dialogue, identify areas for cooperation, and move away from confrontation.

**Key points:**
- The conversations are guided by Raúl Castro Ruz, leader of the Revolution, and Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and President of the Republic.
- The Cuban side expressed willingness to proceed based on equality, respect for political systems, sovereignty, and self-determination.
- US President Donald Trump previously dismissed the possibility of US military action in Cuba leading to conflicts in the Caribbean, stating, "That will not happen."
- The talks seek to identify bilateral problems needing solutions and determine mutual disposition for actions benefiting both nations' peoples.

**Why it matters:** These high-level, sensitive discussions signal an effort by both nations to manage differences and establish areas of cooperation amidst current international tensions.

Cubanet - Trump sobre conflictos en el Caribe tras posible acción militar en Cuba: «Eso no va a pasar»

El Popular - Para crear espacios de entendimiento y cooperación, funcionarios cubanos han sostenido recientemente conversaciones con representantes del gobierno de EE. UU.

Cuba and USA Officials Hold Talks to Seek Understanding and Cooperation

**Summary:** Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan issued warnings regarding escalating tensions in the Middle East, specifically mentioning Iran-related developments and threats to Turkish airspace. He emphasized that keeping Turkey out of the "pit of fire" is the top priority and cautioned against sectarian and ethnic incitements.

**Key points:**
- Erdoğan stated that Turkey is analyzing all developments in detail and is preventing any threats to its airspace, referencing actions taken the previous night.
- The President noted that Israel's policies in the West Bank and the suffering in Gaza, where 72,000 martyrs were reported, are concerning.
- Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz stated that in the current uncertain geopolitical climate, including developments related to Iran, Turkey is in a fortunate position due to its stability and peace.
- Yılmaz stressed that in the 'Türkiye Yüzyılı' (Century of Turkey), there is no place for terrorism or violence, and resources should be used for public welfare.
- Erdoğan urged citizens to be very careful about incitements based on sect and ethnicity, which he noted are being stirred up concurrently with attacks against Iran.

**Why it matters:** Turkish leadership is actively managing heightened regional security risks stemming from tensions involving Iran, while simultaneously focusing on internal stability and welfare amidst global uncertainty.

mynet.com - Orta Doğu'da İran gerilimi! Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan'dan dikkat çeken uyarı: "Çok dikkatli olmanızı istiyorum"

dha.com.tr - Cumhurbaşkanı Yardımcısı Yılmaz : Türkiye Yüzyılı nda teröre , şiddete yer yok

star.com.tr - İran'dan gönderilen füzeler! Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan: Ülkemizi savaşa çekmek isteyenlere karşı dikkatliyiz

Erdoğan Warns of Regional Tension Amid Iran Tensions and Missile Launches

**Summary:** The Israel Defense Forces (IDF/Tsahal) announced it conducted large-scale strikes against military targets in western and central Iran, hitting over 150 military sites. The IDF also reported eliminating two key Iranian commanders responsible for missile launches toward Israel within 24 hours.

**Key points:**
- Attacks targeted and destroyed several weapons depots, dozens of ballistic missiles, and launchers.
- Strikes also hit drone depots, defense systems, and facilities used for weapons production.
- The IDF stated that since the operation began (in conjunction with the US against Tehran), it has launched over 7,600 strikes in Iran and 1,100 in Lebanon.
- Previous actions included a preemptive strike by Israel on February 28, which Iran answered with strikes on Israel and US bases.

**Why it matters:** The ongoing exchange of strikes between Israel and Iran, which reportedly includes US involvement, signifies a continuation of escalating military actions in the region.

Израиль нанес удары по 150 военным целям в Иране

Израиль сообщил об атаке на двух ключевых командиров Ирана

إسرائيل توجه 7600 ضربة على إيران

Izraelio kariuomenė teigia sudavusi 7 600 smūgių Irane ir 1 100

Israel Conducts Strikes in Iran, Targeting 150 Military Sites and Key Commanders

**Summary:** Uruguayan drug trafficker Sebastián Marset was detained by Bolivian Police during an operation in the Las Palmas neighborhood of Santa Cruz de la Sierra early on Tuesday morning. Police agents from the Special Force Against Drug Trafficking and the Tactical Unit of Police Operations (UTOP) conducted the raid starting at 2:30 AM.

**Key points:**
- The arrest occurred in the Las Palmas neighborhood of Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
- The operation was carried out by the Bolivian Police's Special Force Against Drug Trafficking and UTOP agents.
- Police sources confirmed the capture, although official government reports had not yet been issued.
- Sources indicated that Marset would be handed over to the DEA.

**Why it matters:** The capture of a high-profile international drug trafficker like Sebastián Marset in Bolivia is a significant development in regional anti-narcotics efforts.

Cae Marset; la Policía capturó al narco uruguayo en Santa Cruz - Opinión

El narco Sebastián Marset fue detenido en un operativo policial en Santa Cruz de la Sierra - Infobae

Uruguayan Drug Trafficker Sebastián Marset Detained in Bolivia

**Summary:** The Commission for conducting the election of the President and members of the Central Election Commission (CIK) will announce a third public call on March 16th after the previous two were unsuccessful. Separately, the Committee for Political System, Judiciary, and Administration of the Parliament of Montenegro announced a public call for four members of the Judicial Council from among reputable lawyers.

**Key points:**
- The third public call for the CIK President and four members is scheduled for March 16th.
- The previous two public calls for CIK selection were unsuccessful.
- The second CIK call received 10 candidates, with eight meeting the legal requirements, but the procedure stalled due to the lack of a proposal for the CIK President.
- The Judicial Council mandate expires on July 12, 2026.
- Candidates for the Judicial Council must be at least 40 years old with 15 years of legal experience.
- The call for Judicial Council members aims to avoid a vacuum in the judiciary ahead of expected closure of rule of law negotiation chapters.

**Why it matters:** These processes are crucial for the functioning of Montenegro's electoral body (CIK) and judicial governance (Judicial Council), especially in a year where closing rule of law negotiation chapters is anticipated.

Novi konkurs za izbor predsjednika i članova CIK-a 16. marta - Radio-Televizija Nikšić

Raspisan javni poziv za izbor četiri člana Sudskog savjeta - Vijesti

Montenegro announces third public call for CIK members, Judicial Council call issued

**Summary:** The US Treasury Department issued a temporary general license allowing countries to buy Russian oil and petroleum products loaded onto ships before March 12, valid until April 11. This measure, announced by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, aims to stabilize global energy markets experiencing price hikes due to the conflict with Iran.

**Key points:**
- The exemption only applies to oil already in transit and is not expected to provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government.
- The decision follows a sharp rise in crude oil prices, with Brent crude nearing $100 per barrel due to tensions in the Middle East.
- The US Energy Department also announced the release of 172 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
- This global extension follows a similar, narrower exception previously granted only to India.
- The White House is also considering waiving Jones Act requirements for domestic shipping.

**Why it matters:** This exceptional move by the US signals a shift in economic sanctions policy to prioritize energy market stability over maintaining strict sanctions against Russia, driven by the escalating conflict involving Iran.

الولايات المتحدة ترفع العقوبات المفروضة على بيع النفط الروسي المحمل في السفن - jordanzad.com

Трамп временно снял санкции с российской нефти: теперь ее могут покупать по всему миру - Tengrinews.kz

Estados Unidos permitirá vender temporalmente petróleo ruso para frenar la subida del crudo provocada por la guerra con Irán - Huffington Post

US Temporarily Lifts Sanctions on Russian Oil Sales Amid Iran Conflict

**Summary:** A United States Air Force KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Thursday amid the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran. US Central Command confirmed the incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, stating that a second KC-135 landed safely and that the crash was not due to hostile or friendly fire.

**Key points:**
- The crash involved two KC-135 refueling aircraft.
- Rescue efforts are currently underway.
- The incident occurred during Operation Epic Fury.
- The US military had previously reported seven service members killed and 140 wounded in the campaign against Iran since February 28.
- Three F-15E Strike Eagles were previously downed on March 1 by Kuwaiti air defenses in a friendly fire incident.

**Why it matters:** This is the latest incident involving US military assets during the active offensive against Iran, which has been unpopular domestically, with polls showing a negative approval rating from the outset.

ABD duyurdu: "Irak'ta yakıt ikmal uçağımız düştü"

US military announces rescue effort after fueling aircraft crashes in Iraq

US military refueling plane crashes in Iraq - Daily Mail Online

US Military Refueling Plane Crashes in Iraq During Operation Epic Fury

**Summary:** Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, was named among the “100 Most Impactful Voices 2026” by ABCD Africa, a recognition celebrating influential women of African descent. This honor, released on International Women’s Day 2026, follows previous recognitions from New African Magazine and Avance Media.

**Key points:**
- The ABCD Africa list features prominent women leaders and changemakers from 54 African countries, including the President of Tanzania.
- Dr. Kelej has worked for 14 years to build healthcare capacity, improve access to quality healthcare, break infertility stigma, empower women, and support girl education in Africa.
- Merck Foundation has provided over 2500 scholarships for healthcare providers from more than 52 countries in 44 critical medical specialties.
- Dr. Kelej created the “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” campaign and works with over 33 African and Asian First Ladies as Ambassadors.
- Merck Foundation has provided more than 1200 annual scholarships to underprivileged African schoolgirls from 19 countries.

**Why it matters:** The repeated international accolades underscore Dr. Rasha Kelej's significant leadership in social initiatives focused on healthcare access, women's empowerment, and girls' education across Africa.

africa.com - Dr. Rasha Kelej Named Among the “100 Most Impactful Voices 2026” by ABCD Africa After Being Recognized Among the 100 Most Influential Africans by New African Magazine and 100 Most Influential African Women by Avance Media

Dr. Rasha Kelej Named Among the “100 Most Impactful Voices 2026” by ABCD Africa After Being Recognized Among the 100 Most Influential Africans by New African Magazine and 100 Most Influential African Women by Avance Media | africa.com - Afr

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