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, a former cricket star claims victory in Pakistan’s election; Britain considers the consequences of a “no deal” Brexit; Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti leads a trade mission to East Asia; and more.

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Americas

The ongoing political violence in Nicaragua could lead to civil war, Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) stressed this week. Hundreds of Nicaraguans were killed by pro-government forces while protesting the authoritarian rule of President Daniel Ortega. But Ortega denies any government involvement in the violence, saying, "There has been a campaign of lies, terrible lies, to try to hurt the image of Nicaragua and its government." But 13 Latin American countries, the United States, and the United Nations have all spoken out against the violence and some have called for Ortega to step down. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence tweeted, "State-sponsored violence in Nicaragua is undeniable. Ortega's propaganda fools no one and changes nothing. 350+ dead at the hands of the regime. The US calls on the Ortega government to end the violence NOW and hold early elections — the world is watching."

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• To ease pain of Trump’s trade war: $12 billion in aid for farmers – The New York Times

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• Draft of new Cuban constitution omits goal of building communism, opens door to same-sex marriage – The Hill

Central & South Asia

Pakistan’s election ended on Wednesday with former cricket star Imran Khan claiming victory, despite accusations of a rigged election process and polling manipulation. Khan called the election "historic" and vowed to create a new Pakistan. But the opposition claimed party representatives were expelled from polling booths and denied copies of the results. The election was also marked by violence and terrorist attacks, with ISIL claiming responsibility for a polling station attack which left over 30 people dead and dozens injured. Earlier this month, a suicide bombing at a political rally killed 150 people.

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• India to open 18 new embassies in Africa – Voice of America

China & East Asia

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti embarked on a 10-day trade mission to East Asia on Monday, where he plans to visit Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Hong Kong to discuss trade, tourism, and investment. "Tourism and trade with Asia are integral to our local economy, international investment creates jobs for Angelenos, cultural exchange brings our people closer together, and cooperation on the biggest challenges will determine the future of the planet. I am thrilled about the progress we will make on this trade mission and look forward to seeing our friends in Tokyo, Seoul, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hong Kong," Garcetti said in a statement. Business and city leaders are accompanying Garcetti on the trip to discuss economic investment and cooperation.

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• Facebook wants to open an "innovation hub" in China – CNN

Europe & Russia

Fears of a "no deal" Brexit have British citizens concerned about food supply in the UK. As "no deal" preparations to stock food and medical supplies are being made, Prime Minister Theresa May assured Britain that everything was running smoothly. "Far from being worried about preparations that we’re making, I would say people should take reassurance and comfort," she said. But others, like Irish Deputy Prime Minister Simon Coveney, feel a "no deal" Brexit would result in serious consequences to the UK. A recent poll backed the sentiment, with just 16 percent of voters expressing confidence in May’s ability to negotiate a Brexit deal.

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• Germany seeks Japan alliance to counter Trump’s "America First" doctrine – Bloomberg

Middle East & North Africa

Israeli military forces shot down a Syrian fighter jet on Tuesday after the jet entered Israeli air space in Golan Heights. The incident occurred as fighting intensified in the region. While the Syrian government argued the jet had been targeting armed terror groups, Israel claimed the jet was flying toward Israel "at great speed" and that its presence in Israeli territory was a direct violation of a 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement between Israel and Syria.

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• ISIL suicide bombings in Syria kill 150 in deadliest attack in months – The Independent

Southeast Asia & Oceania

Today’s controversial elections in Cambodia will likely see Prime Minister Hun Sen reelected, the result of a crackdown on opposition parties and independent media organizations. The elections are being called a "sham" and "undemocratic" by critics, while Human Rights Watch said the "civil and political rights environment in Cambodia" have "markedly deteriorated." Cambodia’s main opposition party, the Cambodia National Rescue Party, is urging Cambodians to boycott the election, which would result in international attention, but the National Election Committee threatened to bring criminal charges against anyone urging a boycott, despite the fact that voting is not mandatory in Cambodia.

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• U.S.-Australia alliance "rock solid," Mike Pompeo says – The Guardian

Sub-Saharan Africa

A new law establishing a social media tax in Uganda has been met with violent protests. The law, which passed in May, requires Ugandans to pay a daily fee to use popular social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp, in addition to dating apps like Tinder. The protests prompted Uganda’s parliament to review the tax, although they ultimately decided to keep the tax in place. Despite the decision, Ugandans are continuing to protest the tax, urging users not to pay.

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• Eight killed in Nigeria mosque bombing – CNN

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