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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Iranian officials met in Doha for peace talks, seeking US commitments on asset unfreezing. Trump urged Qatar and Saudi Arabia to normalize ties with Israel, raising stakes for a potential Middle East peace deal.
The US under Trump is increasing pressure on Cuba, drawing comparisons to its approach to Venezuela. However, experts believe Cuba presents a more complex and risky challenge due to its consolidated political structure and disciplined security apparatus.
ABD'nin eski Küba lideri Raul Castro hakkında iddianame hazırlaması ve ekonomik ablukayı sürdürmesi, Washington'ın adaya askeri müdahalede bulunabileceği endişelerini artırdı. Bölge ülkeleri, ABD'nin hamlelerini Latin Amerika'ya yönelik bir tehdit olarak görüyor.
The Palestinian Ambassador to the UN, Riyad Mansour, is withdrawing his bid for a vice president role at the UN General Assembly after US pressure. A US cable instructed the embassy in Jerusalem to pressure Palestinian officials to drop the bid or face visa revocation for their delegation.
The US has charged former Cuban president Raul Castro with murder, stoking speculation about Washington's next move. Options include capturing Castro, seeking leadership change in Havana, or Cuba collapsing under economic pressure.
China and Russia condemned US pressure on Cuba, calling it "coercion" and "violence." The US has imposed new sanctions and an oil blockade, exacerbating a fuel crisis. This follows charges against former Cuban leader Castro over the 1996 downing of two planes.
Politico reports the Trump administration is increasingly considering military action against Cuba due to frustration over a lack of reforms despite sanctions and an oil blockade. Options reportedly include capturing Cuban leader Raul Castro.
Cuba's President Díaz-Canel stated the nation poses no threat and has the right to self-defense following a report alleging Cuba acquired drones for attacks on US bases. The Foreign Minister echoed this, citing the UN Charter. Tensions rise amid US energy supply cuts and potential charges against Raúl Castro.
Japan's LDP considers increasing defence spending to 5% of GDP, in line with many NATO members, due to US pressure and Indo-Pacific security concerns.
