“We’ve made very clear what our red lines are,” he said, adding that the US wants a long-term commitment from Iran not to pursue a nuclear weapon. “We haven’t seen that yet.”

He said the US left the talks with a “final and best offer” still on the table and insisted the delegation had negotiated in good faith.

“I think that we were quite flexible. We were quite accommodating,” Vance said.

He added that President Donald Trump was kept informed throughout the talks and praised Pakistan for trying to help both sides reach an agreement.

The negotiations followed a conditional two-week ceasefire announced on Wednesday, tied to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Bobby Roufaeal, who manages more than a dozen short-term rentals in New Jersey, said a high-end property could generate as much as US$240,000 over the tournament period. He said he has been raising rates for his units and has been approached by homeowners looking for help listing their properties for the World Cup rush. Some have told him they plan to stay with relatives for weeks to free up their homes for paying guests.

A six-bedroom property in Princeton, New Jersey, is being offered at roughly US$6,000 per night during the tournament, despite being more than an hour’s drive from MetLife. The pricing suggests the housing effect will extend well beyond stadium-adjacent neighbourhoods, as visitors spill into suburbs and smaller cities.

The New York Times has reported that hotel rates in host cities could jump sharply around opening matches, compounding costs for fans already paying for expensive flights and tickets. Airbnb has also offered incentives, including cash for first-time hosts, to encourage more listings as demand rises.

For supporters trying to follow their teams, the accommodation hunt is becoming part of the World Cup strategy. Mehdi Salem, who runs a French fan association organising trips for dozens of members, said he has had to get creative, booking early, packing more people into fewer rooms, and looking outside Manhattan to boroughs like the Bronx and Queens and to less tourist-heavy parts of New Jersey, to keep costs under control. “Some prices are totally ridiculous,” he said.

The 2026 World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19 across three host nations; the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The US said it does not accept the resolution’s suggestion that historical slavery from the 15th to 19th centuries amounted to violations of jus cogens, the highest norms of international law, “as that term is understood in contemporary international law.” It also rejected the idea that there is a legal right to reparations for historical acts “that were not illegal under international law at the time they occurred.”

Washington also challenged the resolution’s practical implications. It said the text was unclear about who would qualify as recipients of “reparatory justice,” arguing that supporters appeared to be using past wrongs as leverage to “reallocate modern resources” to people and states “distantly related to the historical victims.”

The US further criticised what it called an attempt to create a hierarchy of crimes against humanity, saying any ranking “diminishes the suffering” of victims of other atrocities and is “simply incorrect as a matter of law .”

Beyond the substance, the US argued that the process and scope were misplaced. It said the UN’s purpose is maintaining international peace and security, not “advancing narrow, specific interests,” creating new international days, or adding “costly meeting and reporting mandates.” It also complained that its proposed changes and those of other delegations were ignored during drafting.

In the same statement, Washington rejected claims circulating online that sponsors of the resolution questioned President Donald Trump ’s support for Black Americans, saying such suggestions were “fake news” and asserting that Trump had “enjoyed historic support” from Black voters in the 2024 election.

The filing was made under Article 63 of the ICJ’s statute, which allows states that are parties to a treaty, in this case the 1948 Genocide Convention, to intervene when the court is interpreting that treaty, even if they are not a direct party to the dispute.

The ICJ’s case docket shows that Namibia, Hungary and Fiji also filed declarations of intervention on March 12, while the Netherlands and Iceland filed on March 11, widening international involvement in the long-running case.

South Africa launched the case in December 2023, accusing Israel of committing genocidal acts in Gaza in breach of the Genocide Convention. Israel has strongly denied the allegation.

The case is still at the written-arguments stage. South Africa filed its main memorial in October 2024, and Israel has received extensions for its counter-memorial, with the latest deadline set for March 12. Any final ruling is expected to take years.

Within hours, Iranian officials warned that any strike on Iran’s oil infrastructure would trigger retaliation against US-linked oil and energy assets across the region. Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has also vowed to keep Hormuz shut as a pressure tool, according to reports .

Iran’s threats extended beyond US assets on Saturday when Tehran warned residents to evacuate areas around major ports in the United Arab Emirates, including Jebel Ali in Dubai, as well as Khalifa and Fujairah, claiming the US used “ports, docks and hideouts” in the UAE to support strikes.

The escalation came as a missile struck inside the US Embassy compound in Baghdad and debris from an intercepted Iranian drone hit an oil facility in Fujairah, adding to market anxiety about supplies and maritime security .

Trump said the US Navy could begin escorting oil tankers through Hormuz “soon,” as the confrontation increasingly centres on shipping and energy exports.

The warning comes a week after Washington urged its nationals to leave Iraq, after the United States launched strikes with Israel against Iran on February 28, triggering a wider regional conflict that has threatened US-linked interests across the Middle East.

The alert was issued as fighting continued on multiple fronts. Iranian state television reported heavy explosions in central Tehran on Friday, while the Israeli military warned residents in two Tehran neighbourhoods to evacuate ahead of strikes.

In Oman, state media said two people were killed after security forces intercepted a drone in an industrial area, with others injured.

The embassy did not provide specific details of any new kidnapping plot, but urged US citizens to remain alert and monitor official updates as security conditions change quickly.

Iraq hosts US diplomatic facilities and American personnel, and has long been a focal point for tensions between Washington and Tehran-linked armed groups, a risk that analysts say tends to rise during periods of regional escalation.

At the centre of Ramaphosa’s criticism is the selective nature of the US refugee offer. The Trump administration has cut back broader refugee admissions while creating an exception for Afrikaners, a group historically associated with South Africa ’s former apartheid-era ruling minority and still, on average, far wealthier than Black South Africans. Ramaphosa said the policy is a racialised view of South Africa and urged Trump to “see the truth of the situation.”

Ramaphosa also described a tense Oval Office meeting in 2025, saying Trump dimmed the lights and played a video he claimed proved “white genocide”,  an encounter Ramaphosa called a “spectacle” and an “ambush.”

The White House has defended Trump’s stance as humanitarian, saying he is highlighting “harrowing stories of Afrikaners” and will “continue to speak the truth about these injustices.”

Trump has publicly targeted South Africa since returning to office in 2025, including through an executive action accusing Pretoria of mistreating Afrikaners and citing the country’s expropriation law. Trump also boycotted the G20 leaders’ meeting in Johannesburg and later said South Africa would be barred from the US-hosted G20 gathering in Miami.

Infantino’s comments come as parts of Mexico have seen roadblocks, burned vehicles and clashes after the Mexican military operation that authorities said killed the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has insisted there is “no risk” to visitors, while Infantino said he had spoken with her and reiterated FIFA’s “full confidence” in Mexico as a host.

Mexican security officials and media reports have put the death toll from the violence at at least 70, while security concerns have already affected sporting events, including the cancellation of a World Cup diving event scheduled in the Guadalajara area.

Mexico is set to co-host the tournament with the United States and Canada, staging 13 matches across Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey, including four in Guadalajara, one of the host cities in Jalisco state.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday, February 16, Trump said he had “nothing to hide” and insisted he had been cleared of any wrongdoing linked to financier Jeffrey Epstein. “I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein. They went in hoping that they’d find it and found just the opposite,” he said.

Trump’s comments came amid renewed attention on the Epstein investigation after the Republican-led House Oversight Committee voted last month to hold former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with subpoenas seeking testimony related to the case.

“Today, the Trump administration repealed the endangerment finding: the ruling that served as the basis for limits on tailpipe emissions and power plant rules,” he wrote. “Without it, we’ll be less safe, less healthy and less able to fight climate change, all so the fossil fuel industry can make even more money,” Obama added.

The repeal, announced Thursday by President Donald Trump and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), also eliminates federal tailpipe emissions standards for cars and trucks. It marks the most sweeping climate policy rollback by the administration so far, following a series of measures aimed at expanding fossil fuel production and slowing clean energy initiatives.

Speaking alongside EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and White House budget director Russ Vought, Trump described the decision as “the biggest deregulatory action in U.S. history .”

“We are officially terminating the so-called endangerment finding, a disastrous Obama-era policy that severely damaged the American auto industry and drove up prices for American consumers,” Trump said .

The EPA said the original finding relied on what it called an incorrect interpretation of the Clean Air Act, arguing the law was intended to address pollutants that cause local or regional harm, not global climate change.

According to investigators, U.S. service members were offered payments to enter into fake marriages. The arrangement typically involved an upfront cash payment, a second payment once the Chinese national secured legal residency, and a final payment after the couple divorced.

Fox News reported that suspects staged photographs and created documents to make the marriages appear genuine when presenting applications to immigration officials.

“This investigation underscores the critical role that Homeland Security Investigations plays in protecting our nation from transnational criminal organisations that seek to exploit our customs and immigration laws and threaten our national security ,” said HSI Tampa acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Cochran. 

The alleged sham marriages took place in several states, including Florida, New York , Connecticut and Nevada.

Five individuals were charged with conspiracy to commit marriage fraud between March 2024 and February 2025. Some of them also face additional charges, including bribery conspiracy.

Federal prosecutors allege that three of the suspects attempted to bribe a public official connected to Naval Air Station Jacksonville in Florida. One U.S. Navy reservist allegedly asked whether an insider could issue real but unauthorised military identification cards in exchange for payment. The plan was reported to the authorities, leading to further investigation.

Four former U.S. Navy service members have pleaded guilty to charges linked to the scheme.

At the hearing, Representative Chris Smith, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, defended the US decision to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act. He said the designation was “long overdue” given years of deadly attacks on Christian communities.

Smith said he was troubled by reports that Nigeria had hired DCI Group under a contract worth $9 million, or $750,000 a month, to influence US policymakers. He also cited a separate $120,000-a-month contract involving a Nigerian billionaire and another Washington-based firm.

“They come with well-written talking points to say there’s nothing to see here,” Smith said , arguing that the lobbying efforts risk minimising the scale of religious violence in Nigeria.

Other lawmakers cautioned against oversimplifying Nigeria’s crisis. Representative Sara Jacobs, the ranking member of the subcommittee, said the violence affects both Christians and Muslims and is driven by multiple factors, including terrorism, banditry and farmer-herder conflicts.

Jacobs also criticised recent US military strikes in Nigeria, questioning their effectiveness and warning that they could worsen instability rather than protect civilians.

Former US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback told the hearing that CPC designations mean little without consequences, urging the US to back them with sanctions and other concrete measures.

Another witness, Dr Stephen Schneck, a former chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, said military responses could be counterproductive and noted that the cost of recent airstrikes may have exceeded funding previously used for peacebuilding and interfaith programmes.

Nigeria’s government has rejected claims that Christians are facing genocide, saying the country’s security crisis is complex and not driven solely by religion .

India has already built a reputation for low-cost satellite launches, having sent dozens of satellites from countries such as Singapore into orbit. Officials say this gives India an edge as more nations and companies turn to smaller, cheaper satellites for communications, climate monitoring and urban planning.

To support this demand, India is developing dedicated launch infrastructure for small satellites, including new launch pads and multiple small satellite launch vehicles capable of carrying payloads of up to 500kg. These are expected to become fully operational within the next two years.

At the same time, India has opened up its space sector to foreign investment, allowing up to 100 per cent foreign ownership in certain categories. The move is aimed at drawing capital, technology and customers from abroad, especially as Asia’s space market expands. The country plans to build its own space station by 2035 and send an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040, narrowing the technological gap with the US and China.

While the US currently dominates the global satellite launch market and China holds a strong second position, Indian officials believe their focus on affordability, private-sector innovation and regional partnerships will help the country carve out a larger role in the global space race.

“Our growth will come from both domestic demand and international collaboration,” said Pawan Goenka, chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre.

This projection is based on long-term demographic modelling that tracks fertility rates, life expectancy, and migration patterns.

Africa's population is projected to grow from around 1.55 billion in 2025 to approximately 3.8 billion by 2100, an increase of about 146%. The UN attributes this surge to a combination of high fertility rates in many countries and a very young population.

Europe's population is, however, projected to fall by around 20%, shrinking from roughly 744 million in 2025 to about 592 million by 2100. Low birth rates, ageing populations, and limited net migration are the main factors behind the decline.

The UN has repeatedly warned that Europe’s demographic trajectory will put pressure on pension systems, healthcare services, and workforce availability unless offset by policy changes or migration.

Asia will remain the most populous continent for much of the century, but its population is expected to decline slightly, falling by about 4.6% from 4.84 billion to around 4.61 billion by 2100. Countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea are already experiencing falling birth rates, while South and Southeast Asia show slower but continued growth.

Despite the decline, Asia will still account for nearly half of the world’s population by the end of the century.

The Americas are projected to grow slowly, increasing by just over 3% by 2100, while Oceania will see stronger relative growth of about 55%, albeit from a small base. These regions benefit from migration and comparatively higher fertility rates than Europe, but nowhere near Africa’s scale of expansion.

Trump accused the South African comedian of making a false statement that he and former President Bill Clinton had spent time on “Epstein Island.” “WRONG!!! I have never been to Epstein Island, nor anywhere close,” Trump wrote, denying ever being associated with the location.

Trump said he had never previously been accused of visiting the island, “not even by the Fake News Media ,” and described Noah’s comment as “false and defamatory.”

He went on to threaten to send lawyers after the comedian, calling him “talentless” and warning that he would sue for significant damages.

“It looks like I'll be sending my lawyers to sue,” Trump wrote. “Get ready, Noah, I'm going to have some fun with you!”

Trevor Noah has not publicly responded to Trump’s comments.

Celebrities have now begun using their platforms to demand accountability, urge political action and warn that aggressive enforcement tactics are undermining democratic norms.

Here are some of the celebrities who have condemned the actions;

Katy Perry urges Americans to pressure lawmakers

Singer Katy Perry called on her followers to contact US senators and oppose further funding for ICE. Her message came as demonstrations spread across Minnesota, with activists demanding transparency over the killings.

Pedro Pascal calls the killings a threat to democracy

“The Last of Us” actor Pedro Pascal was among the most vocal critics. He shared drawings of the victims online alongside the phrase: “Pretti Good reason for a national strike.” Pascal wrote that truth is the dividing line between democracy and authoritarianism, saying Americans deserve to know what happened.

Olivia Rodrigo

Olivia Rodrigo also posted on her Instagram Stories, writing, “ICE’s actions are unconscionable but we are not powerless. Our actions matter. I stand with Minnesota.”

Jamie Lee Curtis and Edward Norton

Actress Jamie Lee Curtis reposted the same image, while actor Edward Norton also called for a broader public response.

Billie Eilish challenges celebrity silence

Singer Billie Eilish described Pretti as “a real American hero” and urged other public figures to speak out. “Hey my fellow celebrities u gonna speak up? or,” she posted, calling attention to what she sees as widespread silence.

Other celebrities who have condemned ICE’s actions or shared messages of protest include:

Ariana Grande, Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, Natalie Portman, Florence Pugh, Mark Ruffalo, Zoey Deutch, who wore an “ICE OUT” pin.

NBA players’ union: “We can no longer remain silent  

The National Basketball Players Association issued a statement saying athletes must stand with protesters demanding justice. “Now more than ever, we must defend the right to freedom of speech,” the union said. The American Immigration Council reports a 75% rise in detentions, with a record 73,000 people held nationwide as of mid-January.

Why TikTok faced a ban

In 2024, the US Congress passed legislation requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a nationwide ban. Lawmakers argued that Chinese ownership posed risks of data misuse and potential government interference, claims TikTok has repeatedly denied.

Although the ban was initially set to take effect in early 2025, deadlines were extended several times as negotiations continued behind the scenes.

What the deal changes  

Under the new arrangement, parts of TikTok’s US operations have been transferred to American partners, including technology company Oracle and private equity firm Silver Lake. The structure gives US investors a larger role in governance and oversight, addressing Washington’s concerns about control and data security .

TikTok’s global chief executive, Chew Shou Zi, will continue to run the company worldwide and will also sit on the board of the new US entity.

CEO thanks users

Hours after the deal was completed, Chew posted a video on TikTok thanking users for their support. Without directly referencing the agreement, he expressed gratitude to the platform’s more than one billion users worldwide and 200 million users in the United States.

“We are grateful to have you as part of our TikTok community,” Chew said, adding that he looked forward to seeing more creativity and storytelling on the platform.

The deal allows TikTok to continue operating in the US while meeting legal requirements set by Congress.

In his speech, Carney said the world was witnessing “the end of a rules-based global order” and cautioned against nations turning trade into leverage. He also suggested that middle powers like Canada could work together to avoid being “victimised by American hegemony.”

Trump’s response

In a post on Truth Social dated January 23, 2026, Trump announced that Canada’s invitation had been withdrawn. “Please let this letter serve to represent that the Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canada’s joining what will be the most prestigious Board of Leaders ever assembled,” Trump wrote, addressing Carney directly.

Trump also responded publicly to Carney’s comments while speaking in Davos, saying Canada “lives because of the United States” and should show more appreciation for Washington’s past support. “Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements,” Trump said.

Just a week earlier, Carney’s office had confirmed that Canada had been invited to join the board and planned to accept.

What is the Board of Peace?

Trump’s Board of Peace was launched as part of his plan to support a ceasefire and post-war arrangements in Gaza. He has since suggested the body could expand to address other global conflicts.

According to Trump, permanent members of the board are required to contribute $1 billion each to help fund its activities. He has also said the board would work “in conjunction with the United Nations,” though UN officials have stressed that their engagement would be limited strictly to the Gaza framework. Trump has described the board as having wide powers, saying once it is fully formed, it could “do pretty much whatever we want to do.”

Here are the countries that have rejected the proposal and invitation to join;

France

French President Emmanuel Macron has rejected Trump’s invitation to join the Board of Peace, his office confirmed on Monday. French officials said the decision was driven by concerns that the board’s powers would go far beyond transitional governance in Gaza and undermine the UN framework. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot pointed to the board’s charter, which refers to powers “in Gaza and elsewhere,” and warned that the authority granted to the chair was excessive. Under the proposal, Trump would be able to approve members, veto decisions taken by a majority and even choose his own successor. “This is very, very far from the Charter of the United Nations,” Barrot is quoted.

Norway

Norway has also formally declined Trump’s invitation. The prime minister’s office said the proposal raised serious legal and political questions and would require deeper dialogue. Oslo confirmed it would not join the Peace Board or attend the signing ceremony in Davos, citing concerns that the initiative runs counter to established international frameworks. Norwegian State Secretary Kristoffer Thoner said the US proposal required closer scrutiny, particularly in relation to existing international frameworks. “The American proposal raises a number of questions that require further dialogue with the United States,” Thoner said.

Sweden

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said Sweden would not participate in the Peace Board “with the text submitted so far.” Speaking in Davos, he indicated that the current proposal does not meet Sweden’s standards for international cooperation and governance.

Italy

Italy has also opted out of joining the Board of Peace. Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported that Rome would not join the initiative, citing concerns that participation in a body led by the president of a single country could violate Italy’s constitution. The Italian government has not publicly disputed the report.

Countries yet to respond

China

China has not issued any official confirmation or rejection of Trump’s invitation. Beijing’s position remains unclear as the initiative continues to evolve.

India

India has also not publicly responded to the invitation. New Delhi has so far avoided commenting on whether it will join or reject the proposed board.

Russia

Russia, despite its ongoing war with Ukraine has been invited by the US to be a member of the Peace Board. Addressing reporters Dmitry Peskov, presidential spokesman said: “President Putin also received through diplomatic channels an invitation to join this Board of Peace.” He added that Russia was reviewing the invitation and “hoping to get more details from the US side.”

Meanwhile, UN officials have stressed that there is only one universal body with global legitimacy in this area.

Kosovo also confirmed its participation on Wednesday. President Vjosa Osmani said she was honoured to be invited as a founding member, describing the move as standing “shoulder to shoulder with the United States in the pursuit of a safer world .”

“America helped bring peace to Kosovo. Today, Kosovo stands firmly as America’s ally, ready to help carry that peace forward,” Osmani wrote on X. Kosovo has been a close US ally since Washington backed its independence from Serbia in 2008.

UN response? The initiative has raised concerns about whether it could undermine the United Nations. La Neice Collins, spokesperson for the President of the UN General Assembly, said there is only one universal multilateral body mandated to deal with peace and security. “There is one universal multilateral organisation to deal with peace and security issues, and that is the United Nations,” she told RTÉ News . Collins added that the UN’s existing peace mechanisms are established through Security Council resolutions and have specific mandates, stressing that the UN remains the body authorised by the international community to handle global peace and security.

What is the Board of Peace?

According to the White House, the Board of Peace will play a central role in implementing Trump’s 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict. It is meant to provide strategic oversight, mobilise international resources and ensure accountability as Gaza moves from war to reconstruction and development.

The board will be chaired by Trump and supported by a founding Executive Board made up of senior political and business figures, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump adviser Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, former UK prime minister Tony Blair, investor Marc Rowan, World Bank president Ajay Banga and Robert Gabriel.

Each executive board member will oversee specific areas such as governance , reconstruction, investment, funding and regional relations.

The preamble to the plan says, “durable peace requires pragmatic judgement, common sense solutions, and the courage to depart from approaches and institutions that have too often failed.”

Trump has suggested the board could eventually help broker other global conflicts, prompting comparisons to a parallel version of the UN Security Council.

So far, countries that have agreed to take part include Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Hungary, Argentina, Belarus and Kosovo. Invitation letters have also been sent to leaders in Paraguay, Canada, Egypt and Turkey, while Russia, India, Slovenia, Thailand and the European Union’s executive arm have confirmed receiving invitations.

“Competition from the United States aims to undermine our export interests, demand maximum concessions and openly weaken and subordinate Europe,” Macron said. “This endless accumulation of new tariffs is fundamentally unacceptable.”

Macron also warned against what he described as a return to imperial-style economic dominance, saying global challenges required cooperation rather than confrontation.

“This is not a time for new imperialism or new colonialism,” he said. “It is a time for cooperation to address global challenges for our citizens." 

China investment push

Against that backdrop, Macron said Europe should deepen economic engagement with China, particularly through increased Chinese investment in key sectors.

“China is welcome,” he said, adding that Europe needs more Chinese foreign direct investment that contributes to growth and technology transfer. He cautioned, however, against projects that rely heavily on subsidies or fail to meet European standards.

Macron also criticised trade wars and protectionist policies , warning they could damage global growth. “Economic coercion and tariff retaliation do not create winners,” he said. “They only produce losers,” he emphasised.

Trump rejects G7 meeting

Macron’s remarks come after President Trump dismissed a call by the French leader for an emergency G7 meeting, amid rising tensions over Washington’s interest in acquiring Greenland.

In the message, Macron said France and the United States were aligned on Syria and could work together on Iran, but expressed confusion over Trump’s position on Greenland.

“My friend, we are totally in line on Syria. We can do great things on Iran. I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland,” Macron wrote. He proposed hosting a G7 meeting in Paris and holding bilateral talks with Trump during the visit.

Speaking to reporters to mark the completion of his first year of a second term, Trump said he would not attend the proposed meeting and questioned Macron’s political future.

“No, I wouldn’t do that,” Trump said. “Because Emmanuel is not going to be there very long and there’s no longevity there.” 

Trump later posted a screenshot on Truth Social of a message sent by Macron inviting him to Paris for talks following the World Economic Forum.

US officials say the equipment posed a direct national security risk because it relied on American-origin software and technical data, and was intended to strengthen China’s ability to track and counter US submarines in the Pacific.

What is TFASA?  

TFASA is a South Africa–based company founded in 2003 with support from the South African government to promote aviation cooperation with China. It specialises in military flight testing and pilot training, operating facilities in both South Africa and China.

According to its own website, TFASA has trained Chinese military pilots for both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft to North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) standards. US authorities allege the firm went further by recruiting former NATO pilots and transferring restricted operational knowledge to China’s military.

The Justice Department says TFASA “masquerades as a civilian flight-training academy” while acting as a conduit for transferring Western military expertise and technology to the PLA.

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg insisted that “The National Security Division will continue to act decisively to preserve the U.S. military’s qualitative edge by preventing U.S. technology from falling into the hands of our adversaries."

What are the mission crew trainers?

The seized MCTs are mobile simulators designed to train air crews in complex missions, particularly anti-submarine warfare. Court documents say the trainers were modelled on the P-8 Poseidon, a Boeing-manufactured aircraft that serves as the US Navy’s primary maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare platform.

The trainers were built to run custom software developed by TFASA under a programme known internally as “Project Elgar.” The software was based on a flight simulation platform developed by a US company and enhanced using defence-related technical data tied to Western anti-submarine warfare aircraft, including the P-8.

US prosecutors say the goal of Project Elgar was to improve the PLA’s ability to locate and track US submarines operating in the Pacific , a core element of American naval strategy.

Why the US intervened

US officials say the transfer violated export control laws designed to prevent sensitive military technology from reaching adversaries.

“This seizure demonstrates the ongoing threat that China and its enablers pose to the national security of the United States,” said Jeanine Pirro, the US attorney for the District of Columbia. Other officials warned that the alleged activities could endanger US service members by eroding America’s military advantage.

TFASA response

In a statement the TFASA said the containers cited were basic equipment. The statement read in part, “containers in question were basic mobile classroom units and did not comprise or represent any form of tactical simulators, advanced systems, or any classified, sensitive, or mission-specific, tailored military training capabilities; they were limited to non-sensitive, procedural and instructional use, using publicly available and commercially licensed inputs, and were designed as mission crew training (MCT) systems aimed at supporting crew resource management (CRM) functions within maritime patrol aviation environments.”  

“This is completely unheard of,” said Professor Janne Haaland Matlary of the University of Oslo. She told public broadcaster NRK that giving away the medal showed “a total lack of respect for the award,” describing the act as “meaningless” and “pathetic.”

The Norwegian Nobel Committee quickly distanced itself from the move, stressing that Nobel Peace Prizes cannot be transferred, shared or gifted. In a brief statement, the committee said the award belongs solely to the recipient and that no individual has the authority to pass it on.

Machado, a Venezuela n opposition leader and Nobel laureate, said she gave Trump the medal to recognise what she called his “unique commitment” to Venezuela’s political transition. However, she has played no formal role in the country’s leadership since US forces removed President Nicolás Maduro earlier this month while leaving his governing structure largely intact.

Former Oslo mayor Raymond Johansen warned that the episode risked politicising the Nobel Peace Prize and damaging its global credibility. “This is unbelievably embarrassing and harmful to one of the world’s most important prizes,” he wrote on social media .

Trump has long expressed frustration with the Nobel Committee, arguing that his role in ending or managing conflicts during his second term has gone unrecognised. While he accepted the medal, the Norwegian Nobel Committee made clear that the action carries no official meaning and does not constitute recognition by the Nobel institution.

Malawi, in turn, has committed to increasing its own health spending by $143.8 million over the same period. US officials say this shared financing model is designed to reduce long-term dependence on foreign aid and ensure that gains made during the agreement can be sustained after it ends.

A key focus of the deal is Malawi’s progress against HIV. The country is close to achieving the global 95-95-95 targets, which aim for 95% of people living with HIV to know their status, 95% of those diagnosed to receive treatment, and 95% of those on treatment to achieve viral suppression.

The agreement is meant to help Malawi maintain these gains through integrated health services that the government will eventually manage and fund itself.

Momani stressed that the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan was legally dissolved following a 2020 court ruling, and that all its activities were formally banned in April 2025. He said Jordan addresses such matters in line with its constitution, laws and what he described as the country’s “supreme national interest”.

“The government’s position is clear and based on judicial decisions and the rule of law,” Momani said, adding that Jordan’s approach to political and security issues remains sovereign and independent.

The US designation was announced earlier on Tuesday, January 13, by Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a post on X. Rubio said Washington was formally listing the Lebanese, Egyptian and Jordanian chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organisations, citing national security concerns.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, the United States will eliminate the capabilities and operations of Muslim Brotherhood chapters that threaten US citizens and our national security,” Rubio wrote.

The designation allows US authorities to impose sanctions, freeze assets under US jurisdiction and criminalise material support linked to the named organisations.

The designation follows an executive order issued by President Donald Trump several weeks ago, directing his administration to begin the process of blacklisting the groups. The move allows the US government to impose sanctions, freeze assets under US jurisdiction and criminalise material support linked to the named organisations.

The Muslim Brotherhood has strongly rejected the decision. Salah Abdel Haq, the acting general guide of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, said the group “categorically rejects this designation” and would pursue legal action to challenge it.

“This decision harms millions of Muslims worldwide,” Abdel Haq said in a statement to Al Jazeera. He denied any involvement in terrorism, insisting the organisation had not directed, funded or carried out violent acts. “We deny all allegations that the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood has directed, funded, provided material support for or engaged in terrorism,” he said .

Abdel Haq also suggested that external pressure influenced Washington’s move, pointing to Israel and the United Arab Emirates as key drivers behind the decision.

The Muslim Brotherhood, founded in Egypt in 1928, is a transnational Islamist movement with branches and affiliated groups across the Middle East and beyond.

In one widely shared moment from Botswana, the streamer appeared shocked to learn that he could not simply buy raw diamonds locally, despite the country being the world’s largest diamond producer. Viewers pointed out that Botswana’s diamond industry is tightly regulated through long-term international contracts, leaving a limited domestic market.

Beyond viral clips, social media users argue that iShowSpeed’s tour has unintentionally become educational. Others noted that many young Americans, especially those who have never travelled outside the United States , were exposed for the first time to African cities with skyscrapers, paved roads, internet access and modern amenities. Some described the reactions as revealing how deeply Western narratives have portrayed Africa as uniformly poor or rural.

One emotional video showed a viewer breaking down while saying the streams had changed his entire view of Africa, admitting he had grown up believing the continent consisted only of “huts and stick houses” with no future. Instead, he said, the livestreams showed beauty, culture, resources and advanced urban life.

iShowSpeed has said his motivation for doing long “IRL marathons” is to bring the world to people who cannot travel. “I’m for the people that can’t travel,” he said in one clip. “I try to give y’all the best experience. Whatever experience it is, I’m your test dummy.”

The streamer is reportedly set to visit 20 African countries, including Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa , Zambia, and Zimbabwe. He has already shared footage from Angola, Eswatini, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, among others.

The comments attributed to Trump were made during a discussion about alleged large-scale fraud in Minnesota’s social assistance programmes. Referring to the issue, Trump reportedly said he did not want Somalis in the United States and warned that the country would “go the wrong way if we keep taking in garbage”. The remarks have since drawn criticism from Somali leaders and diaspora communities.

President Mohamud said broad generalisations based on isolated criminal cases were unjustified and unfair. He noted that millions of Somalis live and work outside Somalia, including in the United States, where they play important roles in business, healthcare, education and public service.

“Somalis are contributing members of the societies in which they live,” he said, adding that rhetoric targeting entire communities risks deepening prejudice and social division.

Somali-Americans make up one of the largest African diaspora communities in the US, with significant populations in states such as Minnesota, Ohio and Washington. In Minnesota, home to the largest Somali-American community, local leaders said the remarks had heightened fear and anxiety.

Despite his criticism, President Mohamud emphasised that Somalia values its relationship with the United States, particularly in areas of security cooperation and counterterrorism. The US has long supported Somalia’s fight against the Islamist group al-Shabab through military assistance and intelligence sharing.

Africa

Muhammadu Buhari (82) – Former Nigerian military ruler and president (2015–2023); died on 13 July 2025.

Sam Nujoma (95) – Founding president of Namibia, who led from 1990 to 2005; passed away on 8 February 2025.

Edgar Lungu (68) – Former president of Zambia (2015–2021); died on 5 May 2025 from complications during surgery.

Raila Odinga (80) – Former Prime Minister of Kenya; passed away on 15 October 2025 following a cardiac arrest.

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o (87) – Prominent Kenyan writer known for A Grain of Wheat ; died on 28 November 2025.

Daddy Lumba (60) – Known as one of the most prolific and influential musicians in Ghanaian history, whose birth name is Charles Kwadwo Fosu, passed away on 26 June 2025.

Asia

Khaleda Zia (80) – Bangladesh’s first female prime minister; passed away on 30 December 2025.

Kim Yong-nam (97) – Former head of state of North Korea; died on 3 November 2025 due to organ failure and colorectal cancer.

Queen Sirikit (93) – Queen Mother of Thailand; died on 24 November 2025 from a blood infection.

Aga Khan IV (88) – Spiritual leader of the Nizari Ismaili community and philanthropist; passed away on 4 February 2025.

Yang Chen-Ning (103) – Chinese theoretical physicist and Nobel laureate; died on 18 November 2025.

Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (85) – Malaysia’s former prime minister (2003–2009); died on 14 April 2025 due to organ failure.

Shigeo Nagashima (89) – Japanese baseball legend; passed away on 3 June 2025 from pneumonia.

Latin America

Pope Francis (88) – Argentine-born head of the Roman Catholic Church; died on 21 April 2025 from a stroke.

Mario Vargas Llosa (89) – Peruvian writer and Nobel laureate; passed away on 13 April 2025.

José Mujica (89) – Former Uruguayan president known for his modest lifestyle ; died on 13 May 2025 from oesophageal cancer.

Violeta Chamorro (95) – Nicaragua’s first female president; passed away on 14 June 2025.

Mauricio Funes (65) – Former Salvadoran president; died on 21 February 2025 due to complications from a heart attack.

Lalo Schifrin (93) – Argentine composer best known for the Mission: Impossible theme; passed away on 26 June 2025 from pneumonia complications.

Beyond the high-profile losses in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, the year 2025 was marked by the passing of several monumental figures from America and Europe whose influence defined modern politics, cinema, and music. Here are some of the most notable deaths that shook the Western world :

America and Europe

Dick Cheney (84) – Former U.S. Vice President (2001–2009), known for his role in shaping post-9/11 foreign policy, died on 3 November 2025 from pneumonia and heart disease.

Ozzy Osbourne (76) – English Hall of Fame musician and Black Sabbath frontman, passed away on 22 June 2025 following a heart attack.

Robert Redford (89) – Academy Award-winning actor, director, and founder of the Sundance Film Festival; died on 16 May 2025.

Brigitte Bardot (91) – French actress and 1960s cultural icon who later became an animal rights advocate; passed on 28 December 2025.

Gene Hackman (95) – Two-time Oscar winner, known for The French Connection and Unforgiven , died on 18 February 2025 from heart disease and Alzheimer’s.

Val Kilmer (65) – American actor famed for roles in Top Gun and Batman Forever ; died on 1 April 2025 from pneumonia.

Jean-Marie Le Pen (96) – Founder of France’s National Front and long-time right-wing political figure; passed on 7 January 2025.

Jim Lovell (97) – U.S. astronaut and commander of the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission, who famously returned his crew safely to Earth, passed away on 7 August 2025.  

Diane Keaton (79) – Oscar-winning actress known for roles in Annie Hall and The Godfather series; died on 11 October 2025 from bacterial pneumonia.

Charlie Kirk (31) – American conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA; fatally shot on 10 September 2025 during a university debate event.

Giorgio Armani (91) – Italian fashion designer and founder of the Armani brand; died on 4 September 2025 due to liver failure.

Hulk Hogan (71) – American professional wrestling icon and WWF/WCW star; died on 24 July 2025 from a heart attack.

Diogo Jota (28) – The sporting world was shocked by the sudden death of Portuguese footballer for Liverpool on 3 July 2025 in a traffic collision in Spain.

Rest of the world

Sir Julius Chan (85) – A founding father of Papua New Guinea and former Prime Minister, passed away on 30 January 2025.

Max Romeo (80) – The world-famous Jamaican reggae musician known for hits like "Chase the Devil" died on 11 April 2025 of heart complications.

Ena Collymore-Woodstock (108) – Jamaica’s first female magistrate and legal pioneer; died on 2 January 2025.

Octavio Dotel (51) – Dominican MLB pitcher and World Series champion; killed on 8 April 2025 in the Dominican nightclub tragedy.

“Churches have been burned, families have been torn apart, and entire communities live in fear constantly simply because of how they pray,” Minaj said.

Although her remarks focused on Christian victims, Minaj stressed that calling for their protection should not be seen as taking sides. “Protecting Christians in Nigeria is not about dividing people . It is about uniting humanity,” she said, adding that the issue has global implications as religious violence spreads in several regions.

The rapper, who has a large Nigerian fan base, also spoke about reported attacks on worship centres. “When one’s church, mosque, or place of worship is destroyed, everyone’s heart should break just a little bit. And the foundation of the United Nations… should shake,” she said.

Ambassador Waltz, who introduced Minaj, described the violence as “genocide wearing the mask of chaos,” saying attacks on Christians had long been underreported. Minaj praised local interfaith initiatives and said she hoped her appearance would encourage “deepened solidarity” to protect all people of faith.

She closed her speech by addressing her Nigerian fans, known as the “Barbz”, saying she hopes to perform in the country soon, “Nigeria is a beautiful nation with deep faith traditions, and lots of beautiful Barbz that I can’t wait to see.”

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has expressed shock at Trump’s comments instructing the Pentagon to prepare for possible military action in the country.

Police officers continued security operations on public transport in Tegucigalpa on Thursday, November 13, even as campaign materials from presidential contenders filled the capital ahead of the 30 November 2025 elections. The timing of the renewed emergency decree has sparked criticism, with residents arguing that it restricts constitutional freedoms, including movement, assembly, and association, at a crucial moment in the electoral calendar.

“People won’t be able to go out and protest or anything. They won’t be able to do many things at night. It benefits them, not us,” said merchant César Molina, reflecting widespread unease among voters. Others voiced deeper distrust of the authorities. “Security in this country is useless because they are the ones playing tricks. That’s why we are the way we are,” said taxi driver César García.

The government defends the extension, pointing to reductions in crime as evidence that the security strategy is working. For its part, the National Electoral Council (CNE), the body responsible for overseeing and ensuring the transparency of Honduran elections , insists it is guaranteeing a fair process in the upcoming vote.

The focus on white South African farmers, cited by the administration as victims of racial violence, has been heavily criticised. The South African government denies these claims , arguing that the narrative has been weaponised to serve ideological agendas abroad.

Maine's refugee support network struggles to cope  

For Maine, a state once praised for its vibrant refugee resettlement programs, the impact of the new policy is already visible. Inza Outtara, the State Refugee Coordinator with Catholic Charities, says the program has been severely downsized. 

“We used to receive around 1,000 refugees per year,” said Outtara. “Now it’s just 50. Our office had 15 or 16 people, now we’re down to eight.”

Two of the state’s three resettlement agencies, Catholic Charities and the Jewish Community Alliance (JCA), have shut down their refugee programs due to funding cuts. The Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services in Lewiston is now the only remaining federally approved resettlement agency.

“In the current political climate with massive grant cuts and unexpected changes to programs and decisions, it is not viable for us to take on further, substantial financial risks to run this program,” the JCA said in a statement.

A politicised humanitarian agenda?

Traditionally, U.S. resettlement efforts have focused on populations fleeing war and systemic violence in places like Syria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, or Myanmar.

In contrast, the Trump administration’s decision to center a small, predominantly white farming community, with little international consensus about their risk level, has raised questions about bias and selective humanitarianism. 

Meanwhile, the communities once sustained by diverse waves of refugees in Maine are left grappling with declining support.

The minister detailed recent security efforts, stating that over 592 terrorists have been prosecuted in the past eight months. He emphasised that Nigeria’s armed forces continue to play a crucial role in restoring peace across regions affected by insurgency and violent extremism.

The remarks follow a recent turn in the diplomatic relations between the two nations. On October 31, US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for severe violations of religious freedom. He further followed up a social media post threatening military action against Nigeria, as well as a full cutoff of US aid to the country, if its government “continues to allow the killing of Christians.”

Evelyn Matthei – Representing the traditional right, Matthei enters the race with support from RN, UDI and Evópoli. Having served as senator and minister, she runs on experience and seeks to consolidate the centre-right vote.

José Antonio Kast – Leader of the Republican Party and prominent figure of Chile’s far right, Kast is standing again to reclaim dominance for his faction. He has added the support of the Social Christian Party, which aligns with evangelical interests.

Johannes Kaiser – A former Republican MP turned founder of the National Libertarian Party, Kaiser offers an even more radical right-wing platform than Kast, emphasising migration control, economic liberalism and a minimal state.

Franco Parisi – A returning presidential hopeful, the economist and academic will run under the “Partido de la Gente”. Known for his anti-establishment message, Parisi seeks to appeal to voters disillusioned with traditional politics.

Marco Enríquez-Ominami – Known as ME-O, the former socialist MP has entered his fifth presidential race—the most by any candidate in Chile’s modern democracy . Running as an independent, he continues to pursue the presidency with personal branding and past name recognition.

Harold Mayne-Nicollls – A sports administrator and former ANFP president, Mayne-Nicholls is also running as an independent. He draws on his leadership in the Pan American Games and appeals to voters seeking a fresh face beyond traditional political parties.

Eduardo Artés – Representing the radical left, Artés is a teacher and seasoned political activist who backs regimes such as Venezuela and North Korea. For his third consecutive presidential bid, he runs without a major party, gathering the required signatures independently.

As Chile prepares for this decisive vote, analysts say the crowded field underscores the volatility of the nation’s political landscape and mirrors broader Latin American trends of fragmentation and challenge to mainstream parties.

With schools and universities shut down, frustration is spreading across the country. Businesses are struggling, and many people are finding it harder to move around or access basic services.

Outside the capital, things are even worse. Clashes between Malian forces and terrorist groups in rural and border areas have forced people from their homes, cut off supply routes, and made it difficult for aid to reach those in need.

The situation has grown so unstable that the United States has issued an urgent security alert, telling all American citizens to leave Mali immediately.

On October 28, the U.S. Embassy in Bamako issued a security alert that reflects the growing danger on the ground. The message urges Americans to leave the country as soon as possible, using commercial flights while they are still available. Roads leading out of Mali are considered too dangerous, with frequent attacks and armed ambushes reported along major highways.

For those who choose to stay, the Embassy advises preparing for emergencies, stocking up on supplies, keeping communication devices ready, and staying out of public view. It also warns that U.S. officials have limited ability to help citizens outside the capital because of the ongoing conflict and travel risks.

“The international airport in Bamako remains open and flights are available,” the alert states. “U.S. citizens should depart using commercial aviation, as overland routes to neighbouring countries may not be safe for travel.”

Led by palaeontologist Martín D. Ezcurra, the research team found the fossil remarkably well preserved — a rare opportunity to study one of the earliest steps in dinosaur evolution. According to Ezcurra, the specimen stood out immediately because of its size. While most dinosaurs from that era were under a metre long and weighed less than ten kilograms, Huayracursor measured roughly two metres in length and weighed about twenty kilograms.

Another distinctive feature is its unusually elongated neck, which links the species to the sauropodomorph lineage — the group that would later produce the colossal, long-necked giants such as Argentinosaurus and Patagotitan . Ezcurra explained that these early anatomical traits offer valuable insight into how such massive plant-eating dinosaurs evolved from their smaller ancestors.

The species’ name reflects both scientific precision and cultural homage. Huayra means “ wind ” in Quechua, while cursor translates as “runner” in Latin — together, “runner of the wind ,” a nod to the fierce winds of La Rioja that accompany every field expedition.

The discovery adds a vital piece to the puzzle of dinosaur origins in South America, a region that continues to yield some of the most ancient and complete fossils on record.

The £860 million (US$1.03 billion) investment marks the Chinese automaker’s first major production hub in South America, with an initial capacity of 150,000 vehicles per year — set to double in a second phase. The plant replaces Ford’s former factory, which shut down in 2021 after two decades of operations, leaving thousands jobless and dealing a blow to the regional economy .

BYD’s arrival has been framed as a major step in Brazil’s shift towards advanced manufacturing, with plans to produce up to 700,000 vehicles a year and expand exports beyond the domestic market to Latin America and Africa.

He also emphasised that Brazil aims to move beyond raw exports and become a hub for innovation. “We want to export knowledge, we want to export added value,” Lula said, adding that Brazil and China share a vision for the Global South built on equality and mutual respect. “We don’t accept anyone pointing a finger in our face. We want to be treated with dignity.”

The partnership underscores the deepening economic and political ties between Brasília and Beijing, as both nations seek to reduce dependence on Western markets. For Lula, BYD’s investment signals not only renewed industrial growth in Bahia but also a broader strategy: to position Brazil as a leading producer and exporter of clean energy technologies throughout the Global South.

A spokesperson for the Left and Workers’ Front (FIT-U), the political movement to which Fierro and Peressini belong, confirmed that the two will land in Buenos Aires on Wednesday evening, while Bertola is expected to arrive early Thursday morning. Another Argentine participant, Nicolás Calabrese, who has lived in Brazil for a decade, was released earlier over the weekend and has already returned to São Paulo, where he denounced “humiliations and poor conditions” during his detention.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, led by Swedish environmentalist Greta Thunberg, carried over 400 participants from more than 50 countries aboard 42 vessels with humanitarian aid for Gaza. The flotilla, which sought to break the blockade of the enclave, was intercepted by Israeli forces between Thursday and Friday. More than 300 activists have since been released and deported.

The flotilla’s legal team has accused Israel of “serious abuses” against the detainees, despite the Israeli Foreign Ministry maintaining that “all legal rights were fully respected.” Relatives of the Argentine activists held a press conference in Buenos Aires on Monday, calling for their immediate release and condemning the treatment of those held in custody.

Lula was joined by Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, Finance Minister Fernando Haddad, and senior adviser Celso Amorim. The discussion was scheduled following a brief greeting between the two leaders on 23 September during the UN General Assembly in New York .

The Brazilian government’s main objective was to address the 50% tariffs affecting a wide range of Brazilian exports, measures introduced by Trump in response to the Supreme Court of Brazil sentencing former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years in prison. Bolsonaro, a key ally of Trump in Latin America , had long been a contentious figure in bilateral relations.

Foreign Minister Vieira stressed that Lula’s intention was to negotiate the tariffs alone, without questioning Brazil’s sovereignty or the authority of its judiciary. “Political reasons related to Supreme Court decisions have no place in negotiations between sovereign states,” Vieira stated, highlighting that the US has historically benefited from the bilateral trade balance over the past 15 years.

The conversation marks a first step in restoring dialogue on economic matters between Brazil and the United States, with Lula seeking to protect Brazilian exports while maintaining a constructive and amicable tone in relations with Washington.

According to the Country Similarity Index , a data-driven ranking that compares nations across five major dimensions, the United States’ closest cultural cousin is its neighbour to the north, Canada, with a striking similarity score of 79.2.

Trailing behind Canada are fellow English-speaking democracies Australia (71.8), New Zealand (70.5), and Great Britain (69.7), with Puerto Rico tying Britain at 69.7, which is unsurprising given its political connection to the U.S.

Ireland (67.3) rounds out the top five before the ranking widens to include European partners like Germany, France, Norway, and Switzerland. These nations share much of the United States’ institutional, infrastructural, and political framework, even if geography and some cultural elements diverge.

Canada and the U.S. not only share the longest undefended border in the world, but their economies are closely integrated under the USMCA trade agreement, their media and entertainment industries cross-pollinate, and both societies are shaped by waves of immigration and shared democratic norms.

The inclusion of Australia and New Zealand reflects a similar pattern, countries built on British colonial legal systems, English language dominance, and comparable political models. Even across the Atlantic, Germany, France, Norway, and Switzerland land on the list thanks to their high standard of living , advanced infrastructure, and liberal democratic traditions, making them natural partners for Washington on global issues.

This cultural and institutional proximity carries weight in today’s geopolitical climate. It explains why the U.S. often finds it easier to coordinate policy and form coalitions with these nations, whether in trade negotiations, climate summits, or military alliances.

Canada and the U.S., for example, are currently negotiating joint energy and security frameworks, while Australia and New Zealand are playing central roles in the U.S.’s Indo-Pacific strategy.

Across the Atlantic, Germany and France continue to collaborate with Washington on everything from NATO’s security posture to AI governance frameworks, even amid occasional tensions over industrial policy.

During the dry season, firefighters call nearby rural producers, visit farms, and even provide drip torches with the correct fuel mix to support controlled burns. “It’s worse to fight a wildfire in the forest… and I prefer less work,” joked Manoel Delvo, head of fire combat for ICMBio in Pará state.

Trust with local communities has taken time to build. Farmers who once viewed oversight as burdensome are now more willing to request support for safe burns, often used ahead of planting rice and cassava.

The shift follows a disastrous 2024, when extreme heat and drought saw more than 156,000 square kilometres of the Amazon burn – the largest area recorded since monitoring began in 1985. Authorities concluded that almost all the blazes were human-driven, linked to negligence or deliberate deforestation.

This year, however, fire hotspots have dropped by 81% compared to 2024, from 102,000 to just over 19,000 – the lowest figure since 1998. Researcher Ane Alencar credits increased rainfall as the main factor, but also notes intensified government inspections, expanded firefighting resources, and farmers’ fear of repeating last year’s devastation.

The federal government has purchased new aircraft, toughened penalties for arson, and increased the number of environmental firefighters by 26% to 4,385. Despite the progress, the scale of the Amazon means resources remain stretched.

On September 25, 2025, the Political Council of ALBA-TCP rejected what it called an “unjustified” U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean, denouncing the interception of the Venezuela n vessel Carmen Rosa by a U.S. Navy destroyer. The bloc reaffirmed support for President Nicolás Maduro and dismissed U.S. reports labelling Venezuela a drug transit country as “false narratives” aimed at regime change.

Díaz-Canel promises stability at Renté thermoelectric plant

During a September 25 visit to the Antonio Maceo (Renté) thermoelectric plant in Santiago de Cuba, President Miguel Díaz-Canel pledged that the facility would reach “stability” before the end of 2025. His statement came despite continuous outages, technical failures and even fatal accidents at the plant. Díaz-Canel blamed U.S. sanctions for hampering maintenance and argued that the government’s combined strategy of repairs and new solar projects would improve supply. However, electricity deficits of more than 1,700 MW continue to trigger blackouts lasting over 20 hours in some provinces, deepening public frustration.

Cuban foreign minister denounces U.S. blockade at UNGA

At the 80th UN General Assembly, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla denounced the U.S. economic blockade and its severe effects on Cuba’s access to food, medicine, transport and energy development. He also criticised U.S. military actions in the Caribbean and accused Washington of supporting Israel’s “genocide” against Palestinians. Rodríguez stressed the need for unity among developing nations under the G77 and China, condemned Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, and warned that the blockade undermines climate action projects such as Cuba’s national solar energy plan.

Council of State evaluates economic and legislative measures

On September 25, the Cuban Council of State, led by Esteban Lazo Hernández, reviewed progress on economic recovery programmes and municipal development strategies. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz reported on preparations for the 2026 economic plan, updates to the government’s programme to “correct distortions”, and legislative advances, including food and fisheries regulations. The session also approved a decree law on honorary titles and decorations, while lawmakers examined compliance with measures under the Ministry of Food Industry and the national fisheries law.

Prosecutors seek nine-year sentences for protesters

Cuban prosecutors have requested sentences of up to nine years in prison for six men accused of participating in a peaceful “cacerolazo” protest against power outages in Encrucijada, Villa Clara, in November 2024. Among them is independent journalist José Gabriel Barrenechea. Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights, denounced the trial as an attempt to criminalise dissent. Activists also reported the detention of opposition figure Guillermo “Coco” Fariñas while trying to attend the hearing. The case follows similar trials in 2024, highlighting the government’s hard line on public demonstrations.

In a statement on Thursday, China’s Ministry of Commerce warned that the Mexican measures could harm the interests of affected nations. “China believes that, in the context of the current abuse of tariffs by the United States , all countries must jointly oppose unilateralism and protectionism, and must not sacrifice the interests of third parties due to coercion”, the ministry said. Beijing also announced a separate anti-dumping investigation into pecans imported from Mexico and the US.

China is Mexico’s second-largest source of imports after the United States, with trade worth $130 billion in 2024. Other countries likely to be affected include South Korea, Thailand , India, the Philippines and Indonesia. It remains unclear whether Beijing’s investigation will lead to concrete action, but under trade rules, such probes can trigger bilateral consultations or multilateral negotiations before escalating further.

Watch here:

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One after wrapping up his second state visit to the United Kingdom, Trump was asked whether he would push for a truce. “It doesn’t feel like it. But at the right time. If I have to do it, it’ll be harsh,” he replied.

Trump also weighed in on discussions with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who has been outspoken about Europe’s reliance on Russian energy despite the war. “He rightfully said that I caught Europe. You know, NATO countries, EU countries, you can call it either way because they’re very similar. But then I caught them buying oil from Russia. And he said that’s not good."

“This morning, on my orders, U.S. Military Forces conducted a SECOND kinetic strike against positively identified, extraordinarily violent drug trafficking cartels and narcoterrorists in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility,” Trump wrote.

What they said

"Our Chinese counterparts have come with a very aggressive ask. We will see if we can get there at present. We are not willing to sacrifice national security for a social media app," U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent said on Monday. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer added, "From the Chinese perspective, they view as part and parcel of the potential TikTok deal a variety of matters, whether it's tariffs or other measures that have been taken over the years." A Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson described U.S. demands as "a typical act of unilateral bullying and economic coercion, a serious violation of the consensus reached by the Chinese and U.S. heads of state in their phone call, and could severely impact global trade as well as the stability of industrial and supply chains." Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated, "Regarding TikTok, China has repeatedly stated its position." William Reinsch, a senior trade adviser at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, said, "I'm not expecting anything substantive between the United States and China unless and until there is a one-on-one meeting between Trump and (Chinese President) Xi."