This Week in Explainers: Breaking Down Donald Trump’s Biggest US Defence Deal

May 18, 2025 Komal Das

US President Donald Trump announced a \$142 billion defence deal with Saudi Arabia during his West Asia visit, reshaping regional dynamics and strengthening US-Saudi ties

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Trump declared a ceasefire with the Houthis after US losses, including costly drone and jet damages The decision surprised allies like Israel

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Anita Anand made history as Canada’s first Hindu foreign minister, taking her oath on the Bhagavad Gita under PM Mark Carney’s government

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Rumors about Imran Khan’s death in custody circulated amid India-Pakistan tensions Detained since 2023, he alleges mistreatment and assassination plots

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Cardinal Robert Prevost, a Chicago native, became Pope Leo XIV, making history as the first US-born pontiff in the Catholic Church

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A rare genetic disorder, Spoan syndrome, was identified in a Brazilian town after two decades of research, solving a mystery affecting children’s mobility

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Covid cases spiked in Southeast Asia, with notable increases in Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and Thailand Singapore reported a 30% rise in infections

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This Week in Explainers: Breaking Down Donald Trump’s Biggest US Defence Deal

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