Even if the framework agreement to end the U.S.-Israel-Iran War is successful, economic fallout from the conflict will persist at least through the end of the year. And the consequences for the global economic system — particularly the centrality of the U.S. dollar and its dominance of the oil trade — may be more far … Read more
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang earlier this month celebrated their decades-long alliance, with both sides vowing to elevate their ties to “new heights.” However, the summit reflected a marriage of convenience with clear limitations. The Xi-Kim summit was a meaningful indication that China-North Korea bilateral ties … Read more
As Israeli officials lash out against a preliminary deal to end the war in Iran, President Donald Trump is returning the favor. “I’m not happy with the way Israel has handled themselves with Lebanon,” Trump said Tuesday. “Israel would have been blown up a long time ago had I not gotten involved.” The comments represent … Read more
This past Sunday, Zac Brown delivered one of country music’s most beloved refrains: It’s not political, it’s patriotic. He also performed the national anthem. Brown sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the cage fights held on the South Lawn of the White House, standing honorably on an American flag-themed Monster Energy drink logo, beneath the glow … Read more
President Donald Trump threatened to invade Iran’s Kharg Island in order to seize Iranian oil infrastructure there. “At some point in the not too distant future, we will be taking Kharg Island, and other oil infrastructure points, and assume total control of their Oil and Gas Markets,” Trump posted on Truth Social Thursday morning. The … Read more
Amid a rapid escalation between Israel and Iran, Yemen’s Houthis have rejoined the Iran war, launching a volley of missiles at Israel and pledging to implement a “complete and total ban” of Israeli shipping in the Red Sea. It’s safe to say that the tenuous ceasefire in the Middle East is now unraveling. President Donald … Read more
Senegal is navigating a major political crisis following President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s dismissal May 22 of his longtime ally and prime minister, Ousmane Sonko. The power struggle between the former allies raises significantly the risk of the West African state becoming politically unstable. Such a predicament could undermine Senegal’s vital fence-mending role in the troubled … Read more
On May 22, the first train of Bogota’s new metro system made its initial trial run on the 15-mile elevated viaduct for Line 1. The line runs all the way from the southwestern part of the Colombian capital to Avenida Caracas, with a total of 16 stations. This marks a milestone in a project set … Read more
This month, as delegates from around the world gathered at the United Nations to talk about nuclear nonproliferation, the U.S. and Russia chose to remind everyone just how much destructive power they command. On May 12, Russia staged a test launch of its Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Russian President Vladimir Putin promptly announced that … Read more
Ecuador’s president, Daniel Noboa, has used his country’s spiraling security crisis to tighten his grip on power. Under the banner of the “war on drugs,” his government has expanded emergency rule and intensified a crackdown on political opponents. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has continued to provide the Noboa government with political cover and military support … Read more