geopolitics
Philippines Tells China to ‘Have Some Shame’ as South China Sea Feud Erupts
China and the Philippines are at loggerheads again over the South China Sea. This time, India has reason to watch closely: Manila is now a strategic partner, a BrahMos customer and an increasingly important part of New Delhi’s Indo-Pacific defence network.
Trump Promises Americans $5,000 if Republicans Keep Control of Congress
Donald Trump says American adults will receive a $5,000 “Trump Dividend” if Republicans keep control of Congress in November. The promise could cost more than $1 trillion, there is no legislation or clear plan explaining where the money would come from.
Los Tiguerones Added to US Terror List as Washington Backs Ecuador’s Gang War
The US has designated Ecuador’s Los Tiguerones gang a terrorist organisation and is expanding security cooperation with Quito. Washington is putting more money, equipment and operational support behind President Daniel Noboa’s increasingly difficult war against organised crime.
Pakistan Promises to Defend Saudi Arabia While Fighting to Secure Itself
Pakistan says it could help defend Saudi Arabia if Houthi attacks continue, putting the new Mecca defence pact close to its first real test. It is a bold promise from a country still struggling to contain the BLA and TTP within its own borders.
Declassified Files Show Spain Had Advance Warning of Ceuta Border Assault
Spain’s intelligence service knew a mass attempt to enter Ceuta was being organised and warned authorities a day before more than 70,000 migrants crossed from Morocco. Newly declassified files are now raising difficult questions about what Madrid knew.
Ukraine’s Drones Reach Russia’s Arctic Gas Heartland for the First Time
For the first time, Ukrainian drones have struck Russia’s Arctic gas heartland, nearly 3,000 km from the border. The attack caused limited damage, but reaching this far into Siberia shows just how much Ukraine’s long-range drone campaign has evolved.
Russia Closes In on Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, Where the Donbas War Began in 2014
Russia is closing in on Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, the heart of Ukraine’s Donetsk fortress belt and the cities where the Donbas war first erupted in 2014, raising the prospect that the conflict could return to where it began.
US Strikes Iranian Oil Tankers Near Kharg and Jask as Gulf Conflict Escalates
US strikes on Iranian oil tankers near Kharg Island and Jask have pushed the Gulf conflict closer to the heart of Iran’s energy network, rattling shipping through Hormuz and sending oil prices towards $100 a barrel.
Thieves steal artworks from Renoir Museum in southern France
Two thieves broke into a Renoir museum on the French Riviera and fled with artworks worth millions after being spotted on surveillance cameras.
Pakistan’s Defence Day Collides With Growing Scrutiny Over Human Rights
UN experts and rights groups criticize Pakistan over enforced disappearances and religious persecution as country marks Defence Day.
Huawei Faces US Jury as Landmark Racketeering Trial Begins in New York
Huawei faces a US jury in a landmark racketeering trial involving allegations of trade-secret theft, sanctions evasion and financial fraud, bringing an eight-year legal battle at the heart of the US-China technology rivalry to court.
Iran Threatens ‘Economic Warfare’ Against US as Regional Conflict Widens
Iran has threatened “economic warfare” against the US, warning of new restrictions across the Persian Gulf as attacks on tankers, warships and Saudi targets raise fears that the conflict could spread further and disrupt global energy markets.