Global Beat is your weekly stop for news from around the world. Join us every Friday morning for important stories you should know about.

This week, the United States cuts aid to Pakistan by $300 billion; leaders meet to discuss Syria; Pentagon reconsiders Africa strategy; and more.

____________________

Americas

Medical experts examining the circumstances behind the American diplomats and family members stationed in Cuba who were suddenly riddled with health problems such as hearing loss, cognitive issues, and even brain damage are now considering microwaves as the main culprit in the mysterious attack. Microwaves are being considered "unconventional weapons" which explain "reports of painful sounds, ills, and traumas." Latest reports show 26 people from the U.S. Embassy in Cuba showed symptoms consistent with a mild traumatic brain injury. But some researchers deny the theory as "crazy."

Also check out:

• Brazil museum fire: Funding sought to rebuild collection – BBC

Central & South Asia

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday to discuss the recent $300 billion cut in aid with new Prime Minister Imran Khan, who expressed his desire to maintain a "balanced" relationship with the United States. The decision to cancel the Coalition Support Funds, which were meant to assist Pakistani military with its fight over Taliban militants, came after President Trump tweeted earlier this year that Pakistan had “given us nothing but lies and deceit” regarding its war efforts.

Also check out:

• Deadly suicide blast tears through Afghan sports hall – CBS

China & East Asia

China is loosening trade restrictions on North Korea by "throwing the North Korean government a vital lifeline" by opening the door to trade and development activities like increasing coal shipments and reviving construction projects. China’s move undermines the U.S. policy of maintaining "maximum pressure" on North Korea, which "means a huge loss of leverage," according to a former State Department official. Meanwhile, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un proclaimed his "unwavering trust for President Trump" and still stressed his commitment to denuclearization.

Also check out:

• Tech companies make last-minute effort to avoid new China tariffs – CNN

Europe & Russia

Two Russian agents were identified and charged by the British authorities with attempted murder of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal. Over 250 detectives participated in what the Scotland Yard’s chief of counterterrorism called "one of the most complex and intensive investigations." Skripal and his daughter were poisoned using nerve agent Novichok. While they survived, an innocent British woman who was exposed to the poison was found dead. As Britain prepares to disclose its evidence to the UN Security Council, Russia continues to dismiss the allegations, claiming that they are nothing but a "provocation" and "informational manipulations."

Also check out:

• Anti-migrant protests continue for third night in Germany – CNN

Middle East & North Africa

The leaders of Iran, Turkey, and Russia are meeting today to discuss developments in Syria’s Idlib province. Russian airstrikes hit Idlib this week, targeting armed rebel groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a terrorist organization affiliated with al Qaeda. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported civilian casualties as a result of the strikes. According to Amnesty International, "millions of people in Idlib are now in the hands of Russia, Turkey, and Iran," but according to a statement issued by the Turkish presidency, the ultimate goal of the summit is to find a "permanent solution to the Syrian conflict."

Also check out:

• Qatar lifts exit permit system for migrant workers – Al Jazeera

Southeast Asia & Oceania

Pacific island governments, including Australia and New Zealand, came together this week to name climate change as "the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security, and wellbeing of peoples of the Pacific." The meeting resulted in a new action plan to address climate change by November 2018. Meanwhile, a round of UN climate negotiations occurred this week in Thailand to discuss the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement.

Also check out:

• Indonesian markets get hammered by emerging-market contagion – Bloomberg

Sub-Saharan Africa

The Pentagon is reconsidering its defense strategy in Africa following an attack last October which killed four U.S. soldiers in Niger. The Pentagon is considering withdrawing nearly all U.S. commandos in Niger, in addition to potentially closing military outposts in Cameroon, Tunisia, Libya, and Kenya. The plan would reassign hundreds of troops currently stationed in Africa. If approved by U.S. Defense Secretary Mattis, the new plans could reduce America’s influence in Africa, weaken local troops’ power over insurgents like al Qaeda and ISIL, and also possibly strengthen China and Russia’s presence in the region as they attempt to expand their influence.

Also check out:

• The United States designates al Qaeda affiliate in Mali as terrorist organization – Reuters

Stay informed. We’ll see you here again next week.