Iran spent $16B to destabilize Middle East, US State Department says
The U.S. State Department recently published an unprecedented report detailing the financial resources Iran invests in destabilizing the Middle East.
World Headlines
New Evidence of Hacked Supermicro Hardware Found in U.S. Telecom
A major U.S. telecommunications company discovered manipulated hardware from Super Micro Computer Inc. in its network and removed it in August, fresh evidence of tampering in China of critical technology components bound for the U.S., according to a security expert working for the telecom company.
IMF downgrades global growth outlook, places responsibility on US-China trade tensions
The IMF has cut its global economic forecast for 2018 and 2019, citing above all rising import tariffs between the US and China. A fall in trade volumes and manufacturing orders could hit Germany particularly hard.
Chinese stocks fall almost 5% in market bloodbath as investors digest a week of bad news in a single day
Chinese stocks took a hammering Monday as traders returned to work after a weeklong holiday in the world’s second-largest economy.
Russia says it provided Syria with 24 advanced S-300 launchers for free
Russia provided the advanced S-300 air defense system to Syria’s military free of charge, transferring three battalions with eight launchers each to the Assad regime, Russia’s state news agency TASS reported Monday.
Evangelicals wield voting power across Latin America, including Brazil
Evangelical churches are flourishing across traditionally Catholic Latin America and as the religious movement grows, its influence — including in this weekend’s elections in Brazil — is transforming the region and swinging its politics to the right, analysts say.
Haiti quake kills at least 11, injures others
Emergency teams worked to provide relief in Haiti on Sunday after a magnitude 5.9 earthquake killed at least 11 people and left several injured.
Indonesia Volcano Erupts on Same Island Struck by Devastating Tsunami
A volcano erupted in Indonesia Wednesday on the same island hit by an earthquake and tsunami just days before.
U.S. withdraws from international accords, says U.N. world court ‘politicized’
The Trump administration on Wednesday pulled out of two international agreements after Iran and the Palestinians complained to the International Court of Justice about U.S. policies, the latest withdrawal by Washington from multilateral accords.
US ambassador to NATO threatens to ‘take out’ Russian cruise missile
The U.S. ambassador to NATO put Russia “on notice” Tuesday, threatening to destroy an intermediate-range missile that sits well within range of NATO allies.
Russia completes delivery of S-300 air defense system to Syria
Russia said Tuesday it had completed delivering its S-300 advanced anti-aircraft system to Syria, weeks after it blamed Israel for the downing of one of its spy planes by a less-sophisticated Syrian air defense missile.
UN court to rule on Iran bid to halt US nuclear sanctions
The UN’s top court will rule Wednesday on Iran’s bid to suspend crippling US sanctions reimposed by US President Donald Trump after he pulled out of the international nuclear deal with Tehran.
Italy scares markets and Europe, again, with new calls to leave the euro
The Italian government is creating further turmoil in financial markets on Tuesday morning, after new comments that Rome would be better outside of the euro zone.
Auto restrictions in Trump trade deal with Mexico, Canada used to pressure China
President Trump’s ability to wangle a new deal from NAFTA partners Mexico and Canada will give the White House leverage to take a harder line in the escalating trade war with China, administration backers said Monday.
NAFTA overhaul paves the way for US, Canada auto-manufacturing rally
The revised trade agreement between Canada, Mexico and the U.S. should buoy automotive manufacturing in North America and give the Trump administration heightened leverage in its trade negotiations with China.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard launches missiles into Syria over parade attack
Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said Monday it launched ballistic missiles into eastern Syria targeting terrorists it blamed for a recent attack on a military parade.
Iran, US in tense wait for world court sanctions ruling
The International Court of Justice will hand down an eagerly awaited decision this week on Iran’s demand for the suspension of debilitating nuclear-related sanctions imposed by the United States.
As Brexit divisions widen, PM May challenges Brexit critics
Prime Minister Theresa May called on her party on Sunday to unite behind her plan to leave the European Union, making a direct appeal to critics by saying their desire for a free trade deal was at the heart of her Brexit proposals.
Typhoon pummels Japan; flights canceled, trains shut down
A powerful typhoon ripped through Japan on Sunday, forcing cancellations of flights and trains, including in the Tokyo area as authorities warned of strong winds and torrential rain.
North Korea, South Korea begin removing landmines along fortified border
Troops from North and South Korea began removing some landmines along their heavily fortified border on Monday, the South’s defense ministry said, as part of a pact to reduce tension and build trust on the divided peninsula.