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In a bold statement that has sparked discussion, former Pakistani wicketkeeper-batter <keyword id="21527088" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rashid-Latif" source="keywords">Rashid Latif</keyword> has suggested that <keyword id="19899252" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pakistan" source="keywords">Pakistan</keyword> should stop playing cricket against <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="keywords">India</keyword> until the two nations resolve their ongoing issues. Latif, known for his forthright views, even proposed that the <keyword id="19901179" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="International-Cricket-Council" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="International Cricket Council" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="International Cricket Council">International Cricket Council</keyword> (ICC) should withhold the hosting rights of global events from both countries until their political and diplomatic concerns are addressed. "There's a big possibility that Pakistan can stop playing cricket against India. Had I been in power, then, yes, I may have taken this strong step. I would not blame anyone for this. If you don't want to play (in Pakistan), then don't play against us (at all)," Latif told PTI. His comments come as speculation grows around the upcoming Champions Trophy, which was set to be hosted in Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (<keyword id="19901245" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bcci" source="keywords">BCCI</keyword>) has made it clear it will not send its team to Pakistan due to security concerns, and there is growing speculation that the tournament could be moved to another country. <h2>A call for the ICC to act</h2>Latif didn't stop there, saying the ICC should take a stronger stance. "In my opinion, ICC should withhold the hosting rights for both countries until these issues between them are resolved; until their problems are settled," he explained. The former cricketer, who played 37 Tests and 166 One-Day Internationals, also raised concerns about the ICC's inconsistency when it comes to political interference in cricket, especially in Asia. Latif pointed out how Sri Lanka Cricket was suspended by the ICC in 2023 and Zimbabwe Cricket in 2019 due to political interference, asking, "Why aren't India and Pakistan getting banned? Because, ICC has a lot of stake on them." Latif also expressed frustration with the BCCI's stance on security. The BCCI has argued that the Indian team cannot travel to Pakistan due to security risks, but Latif believes the reasoning is weak. "This is the first time, I would say, the BCCI is at fault. The reason they are stating is very weak. It has to be in writing that the BCCI and the Indian cricket team is feeling threatened," he said. He continued, "The ICC security team came here and gave the green light for the tournament. If you had issues, you could have reported to them." <h2>What happens if Pakistan doesn’t play India?</h2>Despite the growing tensions, Latif is confident that Pakistan’s cricketing future won’t suffer if the team doesn’t play India. "We didn’t play at home for 12 long years. What could be more painful than that?" he said, referencing the years Pakistan went without international cricket being played on its soil due to security concerns. Latif added that Pakistan could still thrive in international cricket without India, saying, "Pakistan will get the 34 million dollars in every eight-year time from ICC, whether they play India or not. The boards that are rich will suffer losses, not a board like PCB that doesn't have the money." Latif concluded by stressing that Pakistan could continue to progress in world cricket by playing bilateral series with other countries, even without playing India or hosting major ICC tournaments. Latif’s remarks come at a time when tensions between India and Pakistan in cricket continue to rise, with both sides refusing to play each other in recent years. As the situation develops, the ICC faces increasing pressure to address the political and security concerns that continue to shape the future of cricket between the two countries. (With inputs from agencies)

Former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif wants Pakistan to stop playing cricket with India, here's why

The International Cricket Council (ICC) officials are trying to urge the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to work towards the <keyword id="21473003" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hybrid-model" source="keywords">hybrid model</keyword> for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy next year through <keyword id="24047280" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="back-channel-talks" source="keywords">back-channel talks</keyword>, as per sources. Sources said that back channel talks are going on to make PCB understand why the hybrid model is the best way to go for the tournament and why there cannot be an ICC tournament without the Indian cricket team. The sources have also said that top ICC officials are trying to get Pakistan stop making any statements against India. There are discussions going on with the host Pakistan and other participating teams of the Champions Trophy next year about the schedule and it is likely to be out in a couple of days or so, the sources added. India, the 2017 finalists, will not be playing their matches in Pakistan and their matches will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), said the source. PCB wrote to the International Cricket Council (ICC) seeking reasons behind India's refusal to travel to Pakistan to play the ICC Champions Trophy next year, Geo News reported. India conveyed its stance of not travelling to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy, citing 'security concerns'. Speaking at a press interaction at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, Naqvi said that PCB is still waiting for a reply from ICC. He also asked not to mix sports and politics."We have sent them [ICC] the questions we had. We are still waiting for their response. I believe that sports and politics are separate and no country should mix the two. Even now I still have positive expectations about the Champions Trophy," Naqvi was quoted by ESPNcricinfo as saying. He added that all the countries who qualified for the Champions Trophy 2025 are ready to visit Pakistan except India."At this moment, every team that has qualified for the Champions Trophy is ready to come. Nobody has any issues. I will say today also, if India has any concerns, speak to us about them, we can ease those concerns. I don't think there is any reason for them not to visit," he added. Earlier in the month, ICC conveyed to the PCB in writing that India would not travel to Pakistan to participate in the Champions Trophy, which will be held in early 2025.PCB consulted with the Pakistan government on the issue and is looking to present its stance. The Pakistan board wants India to travel to Pakistan as their team also went during the time of the ICC Men's ODI World Cup in 2023. Last year, Pakistan hosted the Asian Trophy, but it was held in a hybrid model, with India playing its matches in Sri Lanka. India and Pakistan played their last bilateral series in 2012-13 in India, a white-ball series and now mostly play in ICC tournaments and Asia Cup. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/tata-to-buy-a-majority-stake-in-pegatrons-iphone-plant-in-india/articleshow/115414852.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/tata-to-buy-a-majority-stake-in-pegatrons-iphone-plant-in-india/articleshow/115414852.cms" target="_blank">Tata to buy a majority stake in Pegatron's iPhone plant in India</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/ntpc-green-energy-ipo-gmp-risk-factors-and-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/115403791.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/ntpc-green-energy-ipo-gmp-risk-factors-and-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/115403791.cms" target="_blank">NTPC Green Energy IPO – GMP, risk factors and all you need to know</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/jiostar-announces-plans-starting-at-15-heres-everything-you-need-to-know/articleshow/115326701.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/jiostar-announces-plans-starting-at-15-heres-everything-you-need-to-know/articleshow/115326701.cms" target="_blank">JioStar announces plans starting at ₹15 – here’s everything you need to know</a>

Top ICC officials trying to convince PCB for adoption of Hybrid model for Champions Trophy: Sources

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The DOJ said on Tuesday it's charged a Pakistani man with plotting assassinations of US officials.</li><li>Asif Merchant is accused of having ties to Iran and trying to hire hitmen in New York for the killings.</li></ul>The Justice Department has charged a Pakistani man who traveled to New York and Houston with planning the political assassination of US officials.Asif Raza Merchant, 46, was arrested on July 12 and has been accused by federal prosecutors of having close ties with Iran's government.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/pakistani-national-ties-iran-charged-connection-foiled-plot-assassinate-politician-or-us">The Justice Department</a> said he'd planned to hire hitmen to carry out the assassinations, as well as a woman who would perform "reconnaissance" and 25 people who would stage a protest as a distraction after the killings.The DOJ's complaint, unsealed on Tuesday, did not mention who Merchant was targeting. But <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/06/politics/iran-trump-assassination-charges/index.html">CNN</a> and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-charges-man-with-alleged-ties-iran-foiled-plot-potentially-targeting-trump-2024-08-06/">Reuters</a> reported, each citing an anonymous source familiar with the matter, that authorities believed former President Donald Trump was one of those under threat.A 20-year-old gunman had<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump-butler-pennsylvania-rally-secret-service-2024-7"> tried to kill Trump on July 13</a> — a day after Merchant was arrested — in Butler, Pennsylvania. No evidence has been revealed to suggest that the attack was linked to Merchant.While the DOJ did not explicitly say Merchant was working with Iran, FBI Director Christopher Wray said the case was "straight out of the Iranian playbook."Multiple other officials, including the FBI Special Agent in charge of Merchant's case, also referenced Iran's threats against the US government in the statement and court documents.The US has been concerned about retaliation from Iran for a 2020 drone strike under Trump's order that killed <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/who-was-qassem-soleimani-top-military-commander-killed-by-us-2020-1">Gen. Qasem Soleimani</a>, a top leader in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.Iran's Mission to the United Nations and Ministry for Foreign Affairs did not immediately respond to requests for comment sent outside regular business hours by Business Insider.<h2 id="e941f83e-f373-4a59-94c6-dfd1f2532f9e">Merchant's plans, as told by the DOJ</h2>Prosecutors said Merchant had spent time in Iran before arriving in the US in April and also frequently traveled to Syria and Iraq. Officials also said he mentioned having a wife and children in Iran.According to the criminal complaint filed against him, Merchant said he intended to target "the ones who are hurting Pakistan and the world, Muslim world."His first stop was Houston, where he contacted a person under the pretense of wanting to start a business, according to the document.However, that unnamed person suspected something was amiss and went to law enforcement, becoming an informant.Investigators said Merchant then flew to New York that month to meet with the informant, saying the latter could make up to $100,000 for their help with his plans. To show his intention, Merchant made a "finger gun" motion with his hand, per prosecutors.The informant later introduced Merchant to two men whom he thought were prospective hitmen, but were actually undercover cops, according to prosecutors.The document said he introduced himself as a "representative" of parties abroad and implied that he was taking instructions to "finalize" his plans and leave the US.Prosecutors said Merchant met multiple times with the undercover officers, asking them to speak in code.He said he would likely relay instructions to them through a secure cellphone in August or September 2024 and gave them $5,000 in cash as an advance payment, per the criminal complaint.The DOJ added that Merchant had also asked the men to steal documents, arrange the fake protest, and launder money.Officials said he was arrested in Texas after returning to the state to fly out of the US, where his briefcase was found to contain a note detailing all of his code words. Merchant is in federal custody, and the FBI is investigating the case, officials said.CNN reported that before the Butler rally assassination attempt, officials had passed this intelligence obtained from Merchant to the Secret Service.Trump's campaign was <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/16/politics/iran-plot-assassinate-trump-secret-service/index.html">previously reported</a> to have received enhanced security after obtaining information about an Iranian plot to kill the former president.The fact that a young gunman was still able to fire on Trump at the rally prompted questions about protection efforts for the former president.The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent outside regular business hours by Business Insider.

The DOJ says a man with Iranian ties in New York tried to hire hitmen, a female spy, and a fake protest mob to assassinate US officials

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The UAE is boosting ties with China's air force.</li><li>It could be a scheme to increase pressure to buy the US F-35 stealth fighter.</li></ul>The United Arab Emirates is expanding air force ties with China in what may be a scheme to brighten their dim prospects of acquiring F-35 Lightning II stealth jets from the United States. However, this developing cooperation will not likely result in Abu Dhabi ordering alternative fifth-generation fighters from Beijing.Major General Saleh Mohammed bin Mejren Al Ameri, commander of the UAE's Joint Operations, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.janes.com/amp/uae-seeks-closer-air-force-ties-with-china-as-leaders-meet-in-beijing/ZnlJK3dHVU9mZ28xajRJVkc5dVI5VFp1cVMwPQ2">met</a> with the commander of China's People's Liberation Army Air Force on April 23 to promote closer air force cooperation.The meeting occurred as the UAE's prospects for acquiring F-35s "may be getting slimmer," according to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2024/05/01/emirati-f-35-prospects-languish-amid-high-stakes-chinese-us-courting/">one analysis</a>. Another even <a target="_blank" href="https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/chinas-j-20-stealth-fighter-could-soon-be-headed-middle-east-210712">speculated</a> Abu Dhabi may eventually seek China's premier stealth fighter: the fifth-generation J-20 Mighty Dragon.The US approved a $19 billion deal to sell 50 F-35s and 18 MQ-4B drones to the UAE in January 2021. However, the deal hasn't materialized amid Washington's growing concern about China's central role in Emirati 5G infrastructure and suspicions that Beijing is establishing a military base there. On the other hand, Abu Dhabi has grown frustrated with American preconditions about the extent of its technical cooperation with China.The UAE ordered 80 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/frances-rafale-fighter-jet-popular-dassault-cant-keep-up-2024-3">Dassault Rafales</a> from France in December 2021. It has also bought 12 L-15 trainer jets from Beijing and participated in a joint air force training exercise in China for <a target="_blank" href="http://eng.mod.gov.cn/xb/News_213114/TopStories/16241137.html">the first time</a> in 2023. Such moves did little to assuage Washington's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-warns-middle-eastern-partners-about-buying-chinese-weapons-2023-8">concerns</a> about expanding defense ties between China and its Arab Gulf allies.Nevertheless, Abu Dhabi's budding ties don't suggest it is replacing its Western military hardware with Chinese alternatives."The main factor to consider here is that, unlike US policymakers, the UAE doesn't see arms purchases from China as a zero-sum deal," Ahmed Aboudouh, associate fellow at Chatham House and head of the China Studies Unit at the Emirates Policy Center, told Business Insider. "Abu Dhabi's first choice would certainly be to acquire the F-35 sale over any Chinese equivalent."Aboudouh noted that approaching China to discuss procuring advanced arms is driven by Washington's hesitance to provide Abu Dhabi with alternatives, which the UAE views as "crucial" based on "national security considerations and high regional volatility."<div type="image" title="The French multirole fighter Rafale F3R Marine lands on the tarmac of the Lann-Bihoue French Navy airbase in western France on January 12." height="1333" width="2000" msid="109959346" hostid="261" sizebytes="90578"></div>Furthermore, Abu Dhabi wants its "balancing strategy" between Washington and Beijing to pay off.Sebastien Roblin, a widely published military-aviation journalist, also sees Abu Dhabi's balancing act in play."The nature of the relationship with the Gulf states and the US is that they nurture secondary ties with China and Russia to create additional pressure on Washington to sell to them, as one might flirt with a third party to attract the jealous attention from a partner," Roblin told BI.Both analysts see little significance in the L-15 acquisition and joint exercises."I still see the bilateral relations between the air forces as very superficial and symbolic," Aboudouh said. "Strategic depth in military partnerships takes time to build. I don't see this relationship developing into something similar to what the UAE Air Force has with France or even Russia anytime soon."Roblin pointed out that while the L-15s are "respectable advanced trainers sold at a bargain unit price," they lack the benefit of "common systems" with the F-16 and Rafale jets, which Emirati fighter pilots will eventually graduate to fly. Furthermore, the Emirati air force fighter fleet is already large for such a small country, making it unlikely the L-15s will serve any combat role."So the sale, like the common exercises, serves as a warning signal to the US that the UAE may take its money elsewhere," Roblin said. "Of course, there's a risk of that backfiring and convincing Washington it can't be trusted with more advanced US hardware like the F-35 if ties with China grow too cozy."Aboudouh believes it's "hard to predict" if the UAE might eventually acquire fifth-generation Chinese aircraft."The main factor at play here is the US vision for its military relations with the UAE," Aboudouh said. "In other words, at a time of extensive debate on a US-Saudi defense pact potentially signed soon, the UAE would be interested in a similar deal. Will the US, in turn, deem signing this deal with Abu Dhabi a strategic necessity to curb Abu Dhabi's expanding military cooperation with Beijing?"Roblin also believes the "much-touted" Saudi defense pact could prove pivotal. If the deal is realized and leads to a Saudi F-35 sale, that could "indicate potential" for the UAE finally getting the fifth-generation American aircraft, too, provided it "locks out certain exchanges" with Beijing — such as Chinese radars and aircraft that could expose the F-35's stealth.There is also the salient fact that China hasn't exported any stealth fighters and Beijing will not likely offer the J-20 for export. It will likely sell the export version of its lighter J-35, the FC-31, which Pakistan is reportedly interested in procuring, but those haven't entered operational service yet."The UAE also had a stake in Russia's Su-75 'export stealth fighter' pitched prior to 2022, but it doesn't seem appealing between risks of Western sanctions and Russian mass-production issues related to the war in Ukraine," Roblin said.He suggested South Korea's KF-21 or Turkey's TF Kaan fighter projects could offer "less geopolitically fraught options" to the UAE. The Emirates is already <a target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/pauliddon/2023/09/15/uae-reportedly-seeking-role-in-south-koreas-kf-21-fighter-jet-program/">reportedly interested</a> in investing in the KF-21.The UAE would probably not be interested in procuring advanced fourth-generation Chinese fighters either, especially given the enormous Rafale order it just signed.Roblin also questioned why the UAE would buy jets like the J-10 and J-16 from China when it already has access to equivalent or superior Western jets like the F-15EX, F-16V, and, of course, the Rafale."Introducing such Chinese aircraft dependent on different weapons and communication ecosystems would be logistically senseless unless there was a broader project to convert to a Chinese fleet," Robin said."But I'm skeptical the UAE would go all-in in that direction."

A US ally is forging ties with China's air force but probably won't get its J-20 stealth fighter 

<ul class="summary-list"><li>China and Russia are competing with the US for influence in Latin America, a top US commander said.</li><li>Army Gen. Laura J. Richardson cited China's Belt and Road Initiative and Russia's deepening ties.</li></ul>Russia and China are trying to compete with the US for influence in Latin America, according to the US Southern Command commander.Speaking at the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3843634/russia-china-vying-for-influence-in-southern-hemisphere-with-us/">Aspen Security Forum</a> in Colorado last week, Army Gen. Laura J. Richardson pointed to Russia's growing economic and diplomatic ties with countries in the region, as well as China's Belt and Road Initiative expanding across Latin America."I'd say China is playing chess — they have a long-term view — they're setting the theater," she said, pointing to the 25 Latin American countries that have already signed up to its global infrastructure development plan.Richardson said China's investments "cover almost the entire region," in projects ranging from metro stations to railways, telecommunications, and dams "under the guise of economics."She expressed concerns in particular about Chinese investments in critical infrastructure, like deep-water ports, cybersecurity, energy, and space, being used for military purposes."This is a global problem," she added.While China is "playing chess," Richardson said Russia is "playing checkers."She cited its short-term objectives of destabilizing the US democratic system through the media, as well as its diplomatic ties.Russian officials paid visits to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://t.me/MID_Russia/43382">Nicaragua</a> and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://t.me/MID_Russia/43388">Cuba</a> last week, and Russian observers are set to be in Venezuela for the upcoming presidential elections on July 28, Russian State Duma Chairperson Vyacheslav Volodin <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.interfax.ru/world/971759">told Interfax-Russia</a>.According to a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-21-2024">report</a> by the Institute for the Study of War, this is likely part of ongoing Kremlin efforts to project its influence in the Western hemisphere and rally states against the US and the West.Belarus — a close Russian ally — also paid visits to Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua to sign bilateral economic and trade deals, possibly as part of Russian plans to use Belarus to evade Western sanctions, the ISW said.The US, meanwhile, has suffered from "South blindness" and has overlooked the region, Richardson <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3100865/southcom-commander-this-is-our-neighborhood/">said</a>."We need to realize how resource-rich this neighborhood is and how close our competitors and adversaries are in the region," she told forum attendees.In 2021 <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-military-special-operations-countering-russia-chinese-influence-2021-4">testimony</a> to Congress, Adm. Craig Faller, the then-SOUTHCOM commander, said his command was partnering with US Special Operations Command to counter Russian and Chinese information operations aimed at shaping local perspectives in their favor.Kevin Riehle, a former FBI counterintelligence officer, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/inside-world-deep-cover-russia-spies-infiltrating-west-putin-agents-2023-12">told BI</a> last December that Russia was using South America to obtain fake identities for its spies.And in a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/suspected-china-spy-bases-cuba-growing-near-us-sites-report-2024-7">report</a> last month, the Washington, DC-based Center for Strategic and International Studies identified potential spy bases in Cuba that are believed to be linked to China.Daniel P. Erikson, deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Western Hemisphere, also warned of Chinese and Russian threats in Latin America at an Atlantic Council <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3674516/defense-official-says-countering-china-russia-in-western-hemisphere-requires-mu/">event</a> in February.Erikson said it was "critical" for the US to engage with the region — be it in defense, cyber, or other areas — to meet the core national security needs of the countries there."I also think that across US industry, there really needs to be a deeper dive into what we can do to provide Latin American and Caribbean countries with the capabilities that they require at a price that they can afford," he added.Evan Ellis, a research professor of Latin American studies at the US Army War College Strategic Studies Institute, said that, given the region's importance, US Southern Command has dedicated "far" too few resources to it.Ellis, who previously served on the secretary of state's policy planning staff with responsibility for Latin America and the Caribbean, said the lack of resources may reflect a focus on the Indo-Pacific due to China's growing strength and aggression in the region, as well as the US' attention on other regions, including the Middle East and Ukraine.Latin America, in the post-Cold War era, has not seen major wars, the prospect of nuclear weapons, or US rivals seeking to establish military bases and alliances directly, he said."Nonetheless, the economic needs of Latin America and weak governance in many cases have opened the door for predatory, non-transparent deals, particularly with the PRC, which has expanded its influence," he said, using the initials of the People's Republic of China.Meanwhile, "authoritarian regimes in some states, such as Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua, have also been willing to open their doors to Russia and Iran, which pose strategic threats to the United States," he said.

Russia and China are gaining ground on the US in Latin America, US commander says

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Consulting firm Henley &amp; Partners released the 2024 ranking of the world's most powerful passports.</li><li>Two Asian and four European countries were tied for having the world's most powerful passport.</li></ul>Six countries now have the world's most powerful passport, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.henleyglobal.com/passport-index/ranking">according to the 2024 Henley Passport Index</a> — but the US isn't one of them.UK-based consulting firm Henley &amp; Partners first published the index in 2006. Passports are ranked based on the number of destinations they can access without a visa or e-visa, relying on data from the International Air Transport Authority (IATA). The index includes 199 passports and considers the ease of access to 227 destinations.Four countries in Europe and two in Asia were tied for having the most powerful passports — the first time in the index's history, according to a Henley &amp; Partners press release.For Asia, it was <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/singapore-travel-food-hotel-budget-tips-price-cost-expensive-cheap-2024-1">Singapore</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/dad-living-in-tokyo-shares-differences-in-school-culture-2023-12">Japan</a>, both <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/the-most-powerful-passports-in-the-world-in-2022-ranked-2022-7">retaining the top spot from last year's index</a>. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-pass-for-paris-local-cafes-shops-public-transit-2023">France</a>, Germany, Italy, and Spain — all part of the European Union — were added. All six have visa-free entry to 194 destinations.The US ranked seventh — tying with Hungary and Canada — in this year's index, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.henleyglobal.com/passport-index">with visa-free entry to 188 destinations</a>. Countries that require visas for US passport holders include <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tourism-still-declining-in-china-2023-9">China</a>, Brazil, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/michelin-guide-hanoi-vietnam-missing-best-street-food-pho-2023-12">Vietnam</a>. Twenty-five countries ranked higher than the US on the index.Over 67 million US citizens traveled overseas last year, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.trade.gov/data-visualization/apisi-92-monitor">according to data by the International Trade Administration.</a> Some popular destinations Americans travel to — including <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mexico-city-cdmx-best-places-to-eat-restaurants-tacos-2023-2">Mexico</a>, Canada, and Italy — are visa-free.The strength of the US passport has declined in the past decade, peaking in 2006 and 2014 and ranking first on the index, data from the Henley Passport Index show. The US has ranked seventh since 2020 — the lowest it's been ranked in the index's history.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/taliban-mannequin-women-afghanistan-covered-face-mask-hood-2023-1">Afghanistan</a> took last place on the index, with visa-free entry to 28 countries. Syria, Iraq, Pakistan, and Yemen are the bottom five countries, with 29, 31, 34, and 35 visa-free destinations, respectively.<div type="image" title="Mount Fuji Tokyo" height="800" width="1200" msid="106751085" hostid="261" sizebytes="91508"></div><h2>These are the 10 most powerful passports for 2024, and how many countries they each grant visa-free access to:</h2><ol><li>France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain 194 destinations</li><li>Finland, South Korea, and Sweden 193 destinations</li><li>Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and the Netherlands 192 destinations</li><li>Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, and the UK 191 destinations</li><li>Greece, Malta, and Switzerland 190 destinations</li><li>Australia, Czech Republic, New Zealand, and Poland 189 destinations</li><li>Canada, Hungary, and the US 188 destinations</li><li>Estonia and Lithuania 187 destinations</li><li>Latvia, Slovakia, and Slovenia 186 destinations</li><li>Iceland 185 destinations</li></ol>

6 countries have tied for the world's most powerful passport — and the US isn't one of them

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The next US president faces a range of international challenges and potential crises.</li><li>War continues in Ukraine, tensions are rising across the Indo-Pacific region, and ongoing issues plague the Middle East.</li></ul>Just two months out from the 2024 US presidential election, former President Donald Trump and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/joe-biden-dropping-out-what-happens-next-2024-7">Vice President Kamala Harris</a> are working to appeal to American voters on issues like the economy, culture, women's healthcare, and education, among other domestic matters.But there's a lot going on abroad right now, and many of these problems likely aren't going away anytime soon.Regardless of who is elected to the highest office this fall, the next president will potentially face a wide range of international challenges — and potential crises — that may draw their attention beyond the US borders. Issues range from <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-military-drills-near-taiwan-send-new-president-a-message-2024-5">China and Taiwan</a> to the Middle East to the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-typhoon-military-unit-drone-operations-training-2024-9">Ukraine war</a>.Trump's first term, and his foreign policy in particular, were marked by an "America First" strategy that overhauled the US role on the global stage. On a second go around, it's unclear what that continued approach would look like, although he's recently expressed some controversial opinions on NATO, how he would have handled <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/israel-no-win-situation-gaza-after-months-war-crush-hamas-2024-1">Israel's war in Gaza</a>, and the Ukraine war.<div type="image" title="Israeli tanks move near Gaza border as Israeli army deploys military vehicles around the Gaza Strip, Israel on October 12, 2023." height="3648" width="5472" msid="113169548" hostid="261" sizebytes="1586574"></div>Harris, on the other hand, may find international issues to be something of a<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kamala-harris-tim-walz-first-interview-cnn-takeaways-2024-8"> hurdle</a>. She has yet to release a platform on issues like Ukraine and Russia, China, and North Korea, and it's unclear how many, if any, of her policies will align with President Joe Biden's approach.But either Trump or Harris will likely find foreign policy at the forefront of their presidencies as the world changes — and with some conflicts on the brink or ongoing, these are some of the biggest problems that could be awaiting whoever sits in the Oval Office next.<h2 id="4a2e4a5e-66a8-4f3d-b799-b3bd2dd76299">Russia and the Ukraine war</h2><div type="image" title="Shells sit on the ground in front of an artillery unit actively firing against a blue sky, fire erupting from the barrel." height="5760" width="8640" msid="113169549" hostid="261" sizebytes="3142076"></div>Over two and a half years in, the war in Ukraine has no immediate end in sight. Casualties are abysmal, with recent Western intelligence estimates putting Russian deaths and injuries at <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-suffered-hundreds-thousands-casualties-in-ukraine-western-intelligence-2024-9">over 600,000</a>. Ukrainian forces have likewise suffered high losses, though details are unclear. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-kursk-invasion-russia-hasnt-eased-pressure-off-front-line-2024-9">Ukraine shockingly invaded the Kursk region in Russia</a>, but Russian forces in Ukraine continue advancing.And beyond the war itself, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/most-worrying-military-tech-north-korea-could-get-from-russia-2024-6">North Korean support for Russia</a>, including ammunition, missiles, and other equipment, has created a concerning partnership between America's foes.US politics have often impacted how the country supports Ukraine, engages with its allies and partners on this issue, and how it confronts Russia over the conflict. These issues, like those of the war itself, continue to linger.The US has been impactful, backing Ukraine as its largest single-nation provider of security assistance, but divisions in Congress have made sending more support difficult at times. Additionally, US flip-flopping and repeated hesitation on weapons provisions and use have often been criticized for <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/congress-vote-could-make-break-ukraine-in-war-with-russia-2024-4">hindering Ukraine</a>.Trump and Harris have expressed polar opposite views of supporting Ukraine, which adds uncertainty to Kyiv's future.Trump has said, without reason or evidence, that he'd end the Ukraine war in 24 hours and has repeatedly threatened to undermine the NATO <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trumps-nato-views-threaten-key-to-alliances-strength-article-5-2024-2">alliance's collective defense</a>. Harris has said she "will stand strong with Ukraine and our NATO allies," citing her efforts within the Biden administration to support Kyiv as evidence.<h2 id="4fd37882-1e09-4ef6-9434-96d0b7b9b3cd">An aggressive China</h2><div type="image" title="Three amphibious ferrying vehicles sit in the blue ocean with the cityscape and mountains of New Taipei, Taiwan, in the background." height="2666" width="4000" msid="113169556" hostid="261" sizebytes="808580"></div>Issues in the Indo-Pacific region, especially related to China, Taiwan, and the Philippines, as well as other regional US allies, are likely to be important matters facing the next president as well.The Pentagon has long identified this region as its primary focus, even as other conflicts around the world often <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-navy-has-no-aircraft-carriers-pacific-focus-middle-east-2024-8">pull its attention away</a>, and all branches of the US military have <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-army-training-to-counter-aggressive-insidious-china-top-general-2024-2">stepped up training, exercises, and strategies</a> to deter the US' pacing challenge, China.The ongoing clashes between China and the Philippines in contested waters in the South China Sea are rooted in long-standing disputes and have the potential to escalate into conflict, which could draw the US in through its mutual defense pact.Recently, the commander of US Indo-Pacific Command even suggested it's possible the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-warships-could-protect-pacific-allys-ships-from-china-admiral-2024-8">US could send ships to escort Philippine vessels</a> to protect them from <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chinas-air-force-harassed-us-ally-aircraft-south-china-sea-2024-8">Chinese harassment</a>, essentially putting the US in the middle of this South China Sea standoff.Another potential flashpoint is a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/red-flags-tell-us-when-chinas-ready-to-invade-taiwan-2024-4">possible Chinese invasion or blockade of Taiwan</a>, which Beijing claims as its own, relentlessly seeking unification. China has repeatedly stated that unification with the autonomous island nation is inevitable, even if it must be done by force. The US military has said that China aims to be ready for <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-missing-how-china-could-seize-taiwan-without-invading-experts-2024-5">such a fight</a> by 2027.Beijing's intimidation tactics, including <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-showed-how-easily-no-notice-it-can-surround-taiwan-2024-6">large military exercises</a> and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chinas-drills-a-test-as-well-as-show-of-force-2024-5">constant incursions in Taiwan's waters and airspace</a>, have raised concerns over how Beijing would use its military to force Taiwan into submission.Trump and Harris again differ on the US role in this region. Trump has shown less support for alliances, left ambiguity around US defense commitments to Taiwan, and said Taiwan should pay the US for its support. Harris has repeatedly called out China's aggressive behavior in the region and aligns with Biden on support for Taiwan.<h2 id="12869c13-0a07-4147-83b4-b9f50953cd03">The ongoing crises in the Middle East</h2><div type="image" title="An anti-missile system operates after Iran launched drones and missiles toward Israel." height="2899" width="4346" msid="113169554" hostid="261" sizebytes="610950"></div>Another major issue, like the war in Ukraine, is <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/israel-devastating-airstrikes-hamas-gaza-requesting-more-bombs-weapons-2023-10">Israel's ongoing war in Gaza</a>.Since Hamas carried out its vicious terrorist attack inside Israel on October 7, 2023, killing over 1,000 Israelis, mostly civilians, according to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/07/17/october-7-crimes-against-humanity-war-crimes-hamas-led-groups">Human Rights Watch</a>, the horrors that have unfolded in the region have presented various challenges for the Biden administration.Israel's war, which has involved bombing campaigns and ground operations, has killed over 40,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to estimates from the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. It has also sparked <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/israel-fed-up-massive-protest-strike-demanding-gaza-deal-hostages-2024-9">increased tensions</a> and, in some cases, outright conflicts with Iran and its proxies, often bringing the Middle East just to the brink of all-out war. There have been assassinations, missile barrages, firefights, and more.The Iranian-backed Houthis' <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-navy-aircraft-carrier-eisenhower-planes-in-air-constantly-houthis-2024-2">attacks on commercial shipping lanes</a> in the Red Sea and Gulf of Oman began in response to the war but have evolved into something more over time. The US<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-navy-carrier-strike-groups-significant-combat-power-middle-east-2024-8"> has sent forces</a>, particularly aircraft carriers and destroyers, to the region to deter Iran and confront the Houthi rebels.Efforts to stop the Houthis have cost the US <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-navy-warships-fired-munitions-substantial-cost-fighting-houthis-2024-8">over $1 billion in weapons</a>, including surface-to-air missiles, land-attack missiles, air-to-air missiles, and air-to-surface weapons. And that figure was just for one carrier strike group and a few extra destroyers.It's unclear when these conflicts will end.Harris' language on Israel and Gaza has mostly echoed Biden's: staunch support for Israel but with repeated calls for a ceasefire. But the White House's continued issues with pro-Palestinian protestors and disagreements with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are trickling into Harris' campaign.Trump showed unequivocal support for Israel in his first term and made repeated decisions that improved US-Israeli relations. He has said <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-criticizes-israels-photos-of-bombings-in-gaza-2024-3">he supports Israel's war in Gaza</a> and would continue to give Israel the weapons and aid it wants; he also <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/05/27/trump-israel-gaza-policy-donors/">told donors</a> he'd "crush" pro-Palestinian protestors.<h2 id="98b08573-8c71-486a-8dd8-7ccb85ded3e2">Tensions with North Korea</h2><div type="image" title="This undated picture released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on September 16, 2017 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un inspecting a launching drill of the medium-and-long range strategic ballistic rocket Hwasong-12 at an undisclosed location." height="1652" width="2500" msid="113169552" hostid="261" sizebytes="67288"></div>North Korea has bounced back from failed negotiations with the US and the isolation of COVID, establishing new, potentially fruitful connections with Russia through arms deals. Those ties have China engaging Pyongyang as well, leaving it, as one expert said earlier this year, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/north-korea-sitting-pretty-as-russia-china-vie-for-attention-2024-1">"sitting pretty."</a>North Korea has been emboldened, setting in stone its nuclear status and continuing to advance its missile programs while notably strengthening its relationship with US rivals.Additionally, North Korean provocations persist amid growing concerns about <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/the-next-north-korea-crisis-could-come-this-year-2024-5">inter-Korean conflict</a>, which would, as it did in the 1950s, inevitably draw in the US in response.Trump and Harris may be more aligned on their North Korean policy than other issues, but US policy with regard to North Korea has traditionally been a pitfall, with displays of force and demands for it to denuclearize often failing. Negotiations have also been unsuccessful.In shaping US policy, the next president could also face challenges with South Korea's president Yoon Suk Yeol, a hawk who has taken a harsher stance on North Korea than the previous administration, requiring the delicate navigation of bilateral relations.<div type="image" title="Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris." height="1000" width="2000" msid="113169559" hostid="261" sizebytes="125244"></div>Both Trump and Harris find themselves running for president at a particular tense time in global politics. Amid a number of challenges at home, US attention is being pulled in a variety of directions.Whoever wins the 2024 presidential election this November will have to consider how to manage these issues along with the US position on the world stage. And their decisions could impact not just the US, but allies, partners, and adversaries as well.

This is the conflict-ridden, tension-filled world that the next US president may have to face

<keyword id="3001" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pakistan">Pakistan</keyword> may allow <keyword id="1169098" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="cotton-import">cotton import</keyword> from India through land route as prospects of gradual restoration of <keyword id="2144168" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="bilateral-trade-ties">bilateral trade ties</keyword> have brightened after the <keyword id="10843030" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="new-ceasefire-agreement">new ceasefire agreement</keyword> along the <keyword id="44759" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Line-of-Control">Line of Control</keyword>, according to a media report on Sunday. Citing sources in the <keyword id="137756" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ministry-of-Commerce">Ministry of Commerce</keyword>, The Express Tribune reported that Adviser to the <keyword id="71" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Prime-Minister">Prime Minister</keyword> on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood may take a decision on whether to import cotton and yarn from India next week. They said that the issue of cotton shortfall has already been brought to the notice of Prime Minister <keyword id="14676" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Imran-Khan">Imran Khan</keyword>, who also holds the portfolio of the commerce minister. Once a principled decision is taken, a formal order will be presented before the Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet, the sources told the daily. The sources said that in-house deliberations have already begun but the final decision would be taken only after seeking the approval of the prime minister. I cannot say yes or no at this stage and would be in a better position to respond on Monday, Dawood told the daily, responding to a question on whether Pakistan was considering allowing cotton import from India. The trade ties between both the countries can help minimise cost of production in Pakistan and ensure sustained food supplies, the daily said. India and Pakistan issued a joint statement on Thursday to strictly observe all agreements on ceasefire along the LoC and other sectors after the hotline discussions by their Director Generals of Military Operations. The two countries signed a ceasefire agreement in 2003, but it has hardly been followed in letter and spirit over the past several years. Relations between the two neighbours have nose-dived after a series of terror attacks in India perpetrated by terror groups based in Pakistan. Bilateral ties deteriorated further after India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. The move angered Pakistan, which downgraded diplomatic ties and expelled the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad. Pakistan also snapped all air and land links with India and suspended trade and railway services. The paper reported that against the annual estimated consumption of minimum 12 million bales, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research expects only 7.7 million bales production this year. However, cotton ginners have given the lowest production estimates of only 5.5 million bales for this year. There is a minimum shortfall of six million bales and Pakistan has so far imported roughly 688,305 metric tonnes of cotton and yarn, costing USD 1.1 billion, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. There is still a gap of about 3.5 million bales that needs to be filled through imports. Due to shortage of cotton and yarn, the users were compelled to import them from the United States, Brazil and Uzbekistan. Imports from India would be far cheaper and would reach Pakistan within three to four days. Importing yarn from other countries was not only expensive but would also take one to two months to reach Pakistan, the daily reported, quoting businessmen who deal in these commodities. The delay in yarn import can pose risk to timely deliver the export orders, according to the paper. However, the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) is exerting pressure on the Pakistan government not to allow cotton and yarn import from India. An industry insider told the daily that few millers have already hoarded the cotton and were now charging higher rates and import would dampen their short-term earnings. In an appeal to Dawood, Aptma said that the import of yarn from India will directly impact cotton prices in Pakistan. The cotton sowing season is currently starting in Pakistan and the predicted drop in cotton price owing to import of yarn from India is approximately 10-15 per cent, discouraging farmers not to sow cotton, according to the Aptma. On Thursday, India said it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan and is committed to resolving all issues bilaterally in a peaceful manner. Prime Minister Khan on Saturday welcomed the ceasefire agreement with India and said Islamabad remains ready to move forward to resolve "all outstanding issues" through dialogue. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/bharat-bandh-over-eight-crore-traders-across-india-shut-shop-in-protest-against-rising-fuel-prices-and-changes-in-gst-rules/articleshow/81223361.cms">Bharat Bandh – over eight crore traders across India shut shop in protest against rising fuel prices and changes in GST rules</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/banks/news/ignore-low-cibil-score-for-street-vendor-loans-work-on-holidays-and-other-diktats-from-indian-government-to-banks-rushing-to-meet-march-target/articleshow/81223572.cms">EXCLUSIVE: Ignore low CIBIL score for street vendor loans, work on holidays, and other diktats from Indian government to banks rushing to meet March target</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-now-allows-you-to-avail-a-discount-on-flight-ticket-if-you-are-not-carrying-a-check-in-baggage/articleshow/81225977.cms">India now allows you to avail a discount on flight ticket if you are not carrying a check-in baggage</a>

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