North Korea launched a suspected short-range ballistic missile towards waters off its east coast on Thursday, according to South Korean officials. The projectile fell into the sea and did not pose a reported threat to Japanese territory. On its own, another North Korean missile test might look routine. Pyongyang has conducted repeated launches this year…
China has retaliated against the United States with sanctions on American entities and tighter controls on drone exports and related technologies, escalating a technology dispute that is increasingly moving beyond smartphones and semiconductors. Beijing’s latest measures come days after the United States restricted imports of new foreign-made humanoid robots, robot dogs and power inverters, citing…
The United Kingdom’s decision to cut its development aid allocation to Nigeria by 50.2% should be viewed as more than another reduction in foreign assistance. It is a reminder that Nigeria cannot build its future around money that ultimately depends on the priorities of another country. The UK’s planned reduction reportedly takes direct aid to…
The deaths of two firefighting pilots in Greece this week are more than a tragic accident. They are another reminder that Europe’s wildfire crisis is becoming increasingly dangerous, longer lasting and far more expensive than it was just a decade ago. Two firefighting helicopters collided while battling a massive wildfire northwest of Athens, killing a…
For years, the biggest obstacle for many Nigerians applying for a U.S. tourist or business visa was getting approved. Under a new permanent policy announced by the U.S. State Department, another challenge is now firmly on the table: affordability. The United States has officially made its visa bond program permanent, allowing consular officers to require…
A major diplomatic breakthrough has emerged in the Middle East after Hamas agreed in principle to a phased disarmament plan as part of a broader roadmap aimed at ending the war in Gaza. The proposal, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump and developed through months of negotiations involving American, Egyptian and regional mediators, links Hamas’…
Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia have stepped up diplomatic efforts to strengthen regional security and maritime cooperation in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, as Gulf nations seek to safeguard one of the world’s busiest energy shipping routes. The discussions come amid efforts to maintain stability following months of heightened tensions in the Middle East….
Global oil prices fell sharply on Monday, July 27, after the United States and Iran paused military strikes, easing fears of a prolonged conflict in the Middle East and reducing concerns over disruptions to global energy supplies. Brent crude, the international benchmark, dropped by 5.9% to around $91.08 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI)…
A new wave of U.S. import tariffs officially took effect on Friday, July 24, replacing the temporary 10% global tariff that had been in place since February and marking a significant shift in the Trump administration’s trade policy. The new measures impose tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 trading partners, covering…
Global energy markets remain on edge as escalating conflict in the Middle East and renewed disruptions to key shipping routes continue to drive oil prices higher, with Brent crude hovering around the $100-per-barrel mark after briefly surpassing the milestone this week. The latest surge has been fueled by growing concerns over the security of vital…
