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 EU issues new sanctions on Myanmar generals; Russian mercenaries are dying in Syria; Pakistan remains off the list of terror financiers for now; and more.

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Americas

In Colombia, production of coca—the plant used in the process to make the drug cocaine—is increasing, even as the government works to crack down on production. The two eradication plans the Colombian government is undertaking are seemingly at odds with one another. The government offers crop-substitution programs for smaller farmers, and is working to eradicate crops on larger scale farms. Security forces in Tumaco, in southwest Colombia, have been uprooting fields set aside for substitution, sparking backlash from peasant farmers.

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• Mueller ups pressure on Trump campaign aides with new charge – Reuters 

Central & South Asia

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif said Tuesday that the country has dodged efforts led by the United States to be placed on a list of states financing terrorism. The Financial Action Task Force, an international organization, met in Paris last week at the request of western nations trying to add Pakistan to the watch list. Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and China delayed this effort, while Britain, France, and Germany, along with the United States, pushed the motion. U.S. State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said a full decision will be expected soon.

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• Why Justin Trudeau is being snubbed in India – The Atlantic

China & East Asia

During the 2018 Winter Olympics, athletes from North and South Korea marched under one flag, competed on one hockey team, and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un invited South Korean President Moon Jae-In to North Korea for direct talks. As the Olympics wind down, there is a chance for the two states to hold direct talks. Some in South Korea are worried of appeasing the regime. Others, like President Moon’s base, simply want to see dialogue. Additionally, there is worry that direct talks will legitimize North Korea as a “real state” as opposed to a deviant part of South Korea. The Pacific Council will be hosting a teleconference about North-South relations on the Korean Peninsula on March 8.

Also check out:

• As China puts pressure on Taiwan, signs of a U.S. pushback – The New York Times

Europe & Russia

Russian mercenaries have been dying in the war in Syria, with little explanation by the Russian government. Families back in Russia feel as if the Kremlin has abandoned the Russian nationals working as mercenaries there, and want explanations. At least 131 died in 2017, and U.S.-led airstrikes recently killed upwards of 100 Russians embedded with pro-Assad forces. Fighting as private military contractors, they are not explicitly tied to the Russian military. The Russian military is active in Syria, as well.

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• Italy warns of election threat as rival parties court Russia – AP

Middle East & North Africa

The Syrian government has spent the past five days bombarding Eastern Ghouta, outside of Damascus, with airstrikes. On February 20, more than 250 civilians were reportedly killed by these airstrikes, including 50 children. The United Nations is considering declaring an emergency cease-fire lasting 30 days to deliver humanitarian aid and evacuate the sick and wounded. Eastern Ghouta, under rebel control, has been under siege for four years, and has seen 12 hospitals and clinics bombed and put out of commission in the past week alone.

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• Palestinian leader calls for peace conference by mid-2018 – Associated Press

Southeast Asia & Oceania

The European Union will prepare sanctions against military generals in Myanmar in response to the ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims. By next week, the foreign policy chief will bring forth names of generals to be sanctioned. Canada has also imposed sanctions on generals for the atrocities. The military in Myanmar has been working to cover evidence of atrocities, reportedly bulldozing mass graves of the slaughtered Rohingya. The Pacific Council recently held a teleconference on the Rohingya crisis.

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• China is no threat to Australia, Turnbull says before visit to United States – The Guardian

Sub-Saharan Africa

Nigeria released 475 suspected Boko Haram militants for rehabilitation. Some had been held for eight years without a trial. Humanitarian groups have criticized Nigeria’s handling of the cases. The country’s legal investigation into Boko Haram will continue, as 91 young girls were kidnapped by the group on February 20, though 76 of those girls were found by authorities along with the bodies of two more.

Also check out:

• Congo’s war was bloody. It may be about to start again – The Economist

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