Francis Tuschek The administration of US President Donald Trump has begun cutting CIA staff as part of a broader effort to downsize government agencies, the New York Times reported on Thursday, citing sources. The first dismissals reportedly targeted officers hired within the past two years, many of whom were still on probationary contracts. According to…
Brian Iselin, Associate Editor- Brussels A Bold Strategy for DeterrenceAs tensions in the Taiwan Strait continue to simmer, it’s clear that Taipei needs to rethink its defensive posture. Having spent years studying Asian security dynamics, I believe Taiwan has a unique opportunity to create a formidable deterrent against potential aggression. The key? A robust missile…
Francis Tuschek EU leaders fear that the post-World War II security architecture could “crumble any day” without US support, Politico magazine reported on Wednesday, citing European officials familiar with the mood ahead of a crucial summit in Brussels. The sense of uncertainty and pessimism among Ukraine’s backers in Europe has only grown since US President Donald Trump…
Richard Sanders Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky has offered to sign a rare earths deal with the US following a disastrous meeting at the White House last week which scuttled the agreement. However, he did not apologize, as demanded by some American officials. Zelensky and US President Donald Trump have feuded over a potential ceasefire in…
Richard Sanders Billionaire Elon Musk has publicly endorsed the idea of the US withdrawing from both the United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Responding to a social media post advocating such a move on Sunday, Musk, who leads the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), commented, “I agree.” US President Donald Trump and Republican…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor In a bold assertion that underscores the shifting dynamics of international relations in the Asia Pacific, Taiwan has declared that it is “impossible” for the United States to retreat from the region. This statement comes amid rising tensions between the U.S. and China, as well as growing concerns over security,…
Francis Tuschek Bratislava will no longer provide military or financial aid to Kiev, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has said, rejecting the Western mantra of “peace through force” and calling for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine. The announcement came in response to a tense meeting at the White House on Friday, where Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky, US President Donald…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor In recent months, the geopolitical landscape of East Asia has been dramatically altered by China’s assertive diplomatic maneuvers aimed at reducing Taiwan’s international standing. With significant implications for global geopolitics, these actions have created a complex scenario that places former President Donald Trump in a difficult position. Historically, Taiwan has…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor The delicate balance of power in East Asia has long hinged on the capabilities and intentions of regional players. Among these, Taiwan, now officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), has historically maintained a complex strategic relationship with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the United States. One…
Richard Sanders Taiwan aims to enhance its customs clearance process by expanding the use of AI-based X-ray imaging over the next four years, according to an anonymous Customs Administration official. The focus will be on detecting contraband such as meat products, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, large bundles of banknotes, and specific agricultural produce. Since July…