Trump-Xi summit has high stakes for Taiwan

Ambivalence and Arms: Trump’s Approach to Taiwan Ahead of Xi Summit President Donald Trump is preparing for a summit this week with Chinese President Xi Jinping amid growing questions regarding the United States’ commitment to Taiwan. While the administration has authorized record-breaking military sales, the president’s rhetoric has signaled a shift toward a more transactional … Read more

Alabama lawmakers approve new US House primary, if courts allow it

A national redistricting battle over U.S. House seats shifted toward Republicans on Friday, driven by a Virginia court ruling that invalidated a Democratic effort and new legislation in Alabama that could trigger fresh primary elections. These developments are part of a broader movement by Republicans in several Southern states to capitalize on a recent U.S. … Read more

King and queen of England visit NYC 9/11 Memorial as part of US trip

NEW YORK (AP) — King Charles III and Queen Camilla concluded a busy first day in New York City on Wednesday, marking the first visit to the city by a reigning British monarch in 16 years. The visit included a solemn tribute to the victims of the September 11th attacks, meetings with schoolchildren and business … Read more

Supreme Court weighs Trump push to end protections for Haitian, Syrian migrants

The Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday regarding the Trump administration’s effort to terminate legal protections for migrants fleeing natural disasters and war. The proceedings serve as a critical test of how the justices will view the legality of the president’s broad immigration crackdown. The Legal Battle Over TPS At the center of the dispute is … Read more

Israel’s strikes and Trump’s blockade have battered Iran’s economy

Manufacturing in the heartland of Iran’s renowned carpet-making industry has slowed to a near halt, while giant steel mills that once anchored the national economy have fallen silent. Hundreds of thousands of workers have already lost their jobs, and millions more now face the risk of unemployment. Following more than five weeks of bombardment, strikes … Read more

US says it’s clearing Iranian mines in effort to open the Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump has ordered the U.S. Navy to clear Iranian mines from the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor for global oil shipments. The president further directed the military to “shoot and kill” any boat caught laying mines in the waterway, stating there should be “no hesitation.” This escalation occurs as the U.S. … Read more

Afghans who aided US war effort can return home safely, Afghan foreign ministry says

The Crisis of Limbo: The Future of Afghan Resettlement For thousands of Afghans who risked everything to support U.S. Military and diplomatic efforts, the dream of safety has evolved into a state of prolonged uncertainty. Currently, a significant group of refugees remains stranded at Camp As-Sayliyah, a U.S. Base in Doha, Qatar, waiting for a … Read more

Lebanon and Israel to resume talks to extend Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire

Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to begin a second session of direct talks at the White House this Thursday. The meetings aim to discuss extending a current truce between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group and to establish a framework for future negotiations. President Donald Trump is expected to greet Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad … Read more

Fired former UK official says he felt political pressure to approve Peter Mandelson as US ambassador

The Collision of Political Expediency and National Security The recent turmoil surrounding the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the British ambassador to Washington highlights a growing tension in modern governance: the clash between urgent political goals and the rigid requirements of national security vetting. View this post on Instagram about Mandelson, Peter Mandelson From Instagram … Read more

Pope Leo XIV arrives in Equatorial Guinea for a diplomatically challenging visit

The New Scramble: Critical Minerals and Geopolitical Rivalry The global race for resources is shifting from traditional fuels to critical minerals essential for electronics and defense systems. As the world transitions, Africa has grow the primary battleground for influence between global superpowers. The United States, under the Trump administration, is actively seeking to create a … Read more