Cuba faces widespread power outages and an unrecoverable electricity system due to US sanctions and aging infrastructure. Economic hardship, rising crime, and internal political tensions, highlighted by a controversial interview with Raúl Castro's grandson, exacerbate the crisis as the US maintains pressure on the communist government.
The OPCW reinstated Syria's voting rights after a "significant change in circumstances" since Bashar al-Assad's overthrow, noting "concrete steps" by the new authorities to dismantle banned chemical stockpiles.
Italy's Calabria region continues to employ over 200 Cuban doctors to combat severe healthcare worker shortages, defying US pressure to end the program. Despite US criticism of the Cuban medical missions as a form of human trafficking and a revenue source for the socialist government, Calabria's governor insists the region depends on them. Cuban doctors report sending a portion of their salaries back to Cuba voluntarily, while patients express gratitude for their essential services.
NATO leaders convened in Ankara to address defense spending and support for Ukraine. Key initiatives include the Multilateral Defence Mechanism (MDM) and the proposed Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSR Bank) to boost investment and procurement.
US reportedly waged a diplomatic campaign to deter countries from attending Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's funeral in Tehran. At least 13 nations allegedly scaled back or withdrew participation following US pressure, with some citing potential cuts in aid.
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu faces his biggest challenge in the upcoming October election, pressured by wars with Iran and Hezbollah, US tensions, and corruption charges that could end his nearly four-decade career.
Nigel Farage's Action on World Health campaign is moving to Delaware, US, as a charitable foundation and non-profit. It has hired American lobbyist Gerry Gunster and Farage's friend Andy Wigmore, aiming to replace the WHO, which it claims is too close to China and compromised by private funding.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir urged continued military operations in Lebanon despite US pressure, stating Israel "cannot agree to a ceasefire." He described Lebanon as a "country that supports terrorism" and advocated for retaining troops to prevent Hezbollah rearmament. This comes as US and Iran report progress on a "deconfliction mechanism" for Lebanon.
US and Iranian delegations are set for technical talks in Switzerland, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar. The discussions aim to address the nuclear program and the Lebanon ceasefire, but are strained by continued Israeli attacks on Lebanon, which Iran claims violate a new deal.
Vietnam faces a foreign policy test as the US increases pressure on Cuba. Hanoi must decide how to support its 60-year ally without jeopardizing its crucial partnership with Washington, especially after the fall of Venezuela's support for Cuba.
Cuba's Communist Party has approved significant free-market reforms, expanding private enterprise, attracting foreign investment, and allowing private banks. President Miguel Diaz-Canel acknowledged domestic economic issues alongside external pressures.
The Russia-Ukraine war, now exceeding WWI's duration, is fundamentally altering global order. It has triggered NATO expansion, a new arms race in Europe, and revolutionized drone warfare. Russia faces dependency on China, while North Korea and Iran benefit as arms suppliers. The conflict offers lessons for China, challenges India's balancing act, and highlights limits of US diplomatic efforts.
Cuba's President Miguel Díaz-Canel announced a broad package of economic reforms affecting tourism, foreign trade, investment, and the private sector. The measures aim to liberalize the economy, re-open tourism to new players, reform state import companies, and reduce ministries, while acknowledging US economic pressure and calling for unity.
Russia voiced solidarity with Iran, Cuba, and Venezuela against US pressure, emphasizing their right to self-determination. The statement came during a meeting of the Group of Friends for the Defense of the UN Charter in Harare, Zimbabwe.
A fragile ceasefire between Iran, Israel, and the US is threatened by ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon, a key Iranian condition for peace. US President Trump's intervention has paused direct US-Iran exchanges, but domestic Israeli politics and upcoming elections complicate Prime Minister Netanyahu's position.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Cuba against acquiring weapons capable of reaching the US, during a visit to Guantánamo Bay. The US has increased pressure on Cuba with sanctions, and a report suggests Cuba is acquiring drones from Russia and Iran.
UN human rights experts express deep concern over escalating US pressure on Cuba, condemning the use of the judicial system as a weapon and calling for an end to coercive measures that undermine Cuban sovereignty.
New perpetual futures on SpaceX are emerging on crypto platforms, resembling betting markets. Meanwhile, a deal between Talgo and Renfe over a €116 million fine for delayed trains is reportedly close. In Cuba, US pressure is causing foreign hotel chains to exit, impacting Meliá.
Two letters debate public sector defined-benefit pension schemes. One argues the £1tn liability figure is misleading and that good pensions help attract staff, while the other suggests raising pay to allow workers to fund their own pensions.
US pressure has reportedly prevented an Israeli attack on Beirut, with reports of an agreement for Hezbollah to cease fire. Meanwhile, Hezbollah rejects a partial ceasefire, demanding a full cessation of hostilities and Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon. The conflict continues with Israeli operations in southern Lebanon and escalating rhetoric from Iran.
Denmark's new left-leaning government, led by Mette Frederiksen, will implement measures to address the cost of living crisis, including halving VAT on food and offering free public transport to the youth. The government also pledged to uphold the kingdom's sovereignty against US pressure over Greenland.
The Wall Street Journal reports the Trump administration is pressuring Oman to sever diplomatic ties with Iran, viewing Oman's neutral stance as hostility towards the US. This pressure follows threats of sanctions and bombing by the US.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Oman's neutral diplomacy, long trusted in the Middle East, is being tested by the Trump administration's pressure to choose sides between the US and Iran. The US has threatened sanctions and military action if Oman cooperates with Iran's plans for transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz.
Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev stated that a Ukrainian drone attack on the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) was deliberate and a "precursor to a nuclear incident." The ZNPP director confirmed targeted strikes, noting potential for radiation accidents. Attacks have also disrupted supplies in the satellite city of Energodar.
