China brings Saudi Arabia, Iran together – and pushes US out

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In diplomatic terms, the optics were shocking. Here were representatives from Saudi Arabia and Iran smiling and holding hands in a foreign capital as they announced the restoration of diplomatic relations after a seven-year break. But the foreign minister in the middle, proudly bringing them together, was not a European or American politician, but China’s Wang […]Continue Reading

Stubborn inflation, bank crisis puts US Fed on a precipice

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The Federal Reserve is facing a rather sticky problem. Despite its best efforts over the past year, inflation is stubbornly refusing to head south with any urgency to a target of 2%. Rather, the inflation report released on March 14, 2023, shows consumer prices rose 0.4% in February, meaning the year-over-year increase is now at […]Continue Reading

Reaper drone takedown augurs ill for Crimea offensive

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An MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted drone aircraft performs aerial maneuvers over Creech Air Force Base, Nevada. Photo: US Air Force handout via Reuters

The Pentagon says that the takedown of the Reaper drone by Russian Su-27 pilots was “unsafe and unprofessional.” But the Pentagon has not explained what the drone was doing flying near Crimea, nor has it told the public about the unique capabilities of the MQ-9 Reaper. The Russians say that the drone was in a prohibited area […]Continue Reading

Honduras says economic needs forced Taiwan-to-China switch

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TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras: Economic necessity and Taiwan’s refusal to increase financial aid were behind Honduras’ decision to establish diplomatic ties with China, Foreign Minister Eduardo Reina said on Wednesday (Mar 15). Honduras President Xiomara Castro announced on Tuesday that she had instructed Reina to “undertake the official opening of relations” with China,Continue Reading

Asian stocks slide, safety shines as bank fears spread

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SINGAPORE: Asian stocks tumbled on Thursday (Mar 16), and investors bought gold, bonds and the US dollar as fear of a banking crisis was reignited by fresh troubles at Credit Suisse, leaving markets on edge ahead of a European Central Bank (ECB) meeting later in the day. Japan’s Nikkei fellContinue Reading