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# Sri Lanka Guardian 

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://slguardian.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Sanctions Fuel the Fire at Cuba’s Matanzas Oil Storage](https://slguardian.org/sanctions-fuel-the-fire-at-cubas-matanzas-oil-storage/) - On August 5, a major oil storage facility in Matanzas, Cuba, 65 miles east of Havana, was hit by lightning. A tank that contained 25,000 cubic meters of crude oil caught fire after being struck. Since then, an enormous fire has been raging in Matanzas. Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Ávalos Jorge, deputy head of Cuba’s fire
- [Mendel’s Genetic Revolution and the Legacy of Scientific Racism](https://slguardian.org/mendels-genetic-revolution-and-the-legacy-of-scientific-racism/) - In July, the world celebrated 200 years since the birth of Gregor Mendel, who is widely accepted as the “father of modern genetics” for his discovery of the laws of inheritance. His experiments with peas, published in 1866 under the title “Experiments in Plant Hybridization,” identified dominant and recessive traits and how recessive traits would
- [Russia and the European Union Continue Transition to Wartime Economies](https://slguardian.org/russia-and-the-european-union-continue-transition-to-wartime-economies/) - Having declared victory over the “economic blitzkrieg” of Western sanctions in March, Russian President Vladimir Putin must contend with continued Western financial support to Ukraine as it combats Russian forces. In addition, the Kremlin will be forced to finance the reconstruction and integration of conquered Ukrainian territory. With costs mounting, Putin has increasingly promoted the
- [Sri Lanka: Plot to Arrest Gota](https://slguardian.org/sri-lanka-plot-to-arrest-gota/) - Many have failed to grasp the reality of this geopolitical game and the dangers small states may face, and many warnings have been dismissed as empty conspiracy rhetoric. The sophisticated plot is underway. The next move of this grand scheme is to arrest former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who at the moment has no permanent shelter
- [The Axes of Leadership](https://slguardian.org/the-axes-of-leadership/) - Following excerpts adapted from the author’s most recent book, The Leadership, published by Penguin Random House Any society, whatever its political system, is perpetually in transit between a past that forms its memory and a vision of the future that inspires its evolution. Along this route, leadership is indispensable: decisions must be made, trust earned,
- [South Africa Is on a Knife Edge as Xenophobia Escalates](https://slguardian.org/south-africa-is-on-a-knife-edge-as-xenophobia-escalates/) - Xenophobia is a global crisis, but in South Africa, it takes a particularly violent form. The day-to-day accumulation of insults and harassment from within the state and society periodically mutates into open-street violence in which people are beaten, hacked and burned to death. If there is a useful point of global comparison, it may be
- [Taiwan announces the appearance of a new virus in China](https://slguardian.org/taiwan-announces-the-appearance-of-a-new-virus-in-china/) - While surrounded by Chinese armed forces, Taiwan has announced that a new virus has been discovered in China. Her name? Langya-Henipavirus (LayV). This would be transmitted from animals to humans. Dogs and goats are the main carriers of the virus. According to Taiwan, the new pathogen could lead to organ failure in humans. At least
- [The End of Western Civilization](https://slguardian.org/the-end-of-western-civilization/) - Paper presented on July 11, 2022 to The Ninth South-South Forum on Sustainability. The greatest challenge facing societies has always been how to conduct trade and credit without letting merchants and creditors make money by exploiting their customers and debtors. All antiquity recognized that the drive to acquire money is addictive and indeed tends to
- [No Farmers, No Food, No Life](https://slguardian.org/no-farmers-no-food-no-life/) - The world is now facing a man-made food catastrophe. It is reaching crisis levels. Current policies in many parts of the world place a priority on climate change for realizing a green new deal. Meanwhile, such policies will contribute to children dying from severe malnutrition due to broken food systems, with shortages of food and
- [Chile’s Lithium Provides Profit to the Billionaires But Exhausts the Land and the People](https://slguardian.org/chiles-lithium-provides-profit-to-the-billionaires-but-exhausts-the-land-and-the-people/) - The Atacama salt flat in northern Chile, which stretches 1,200 square miles, is the largest source of lithium in the world. We are standing on a bluff, looking over la gran fosa, the great pit that sits at the southern end of the flat, which is shielded from public view. It is where the major
- [What the “Woke” Left and the Alt-Right Share](https://slguardian.org/what-the-woke-left-and-the-alt-right-share/) - The Canadian psychologist and alt-right media fixture Jordan Peterson recently stumbled onto an important insight. In a podcast episode titled “Russia vs. Ukraine or Civil War in the West?,” he recognized a link between the war in Europe and the conflict between the liberal mainstream and the new populist right in North America and Europe.
- [Another Hiroshima is Coming — Unless We Stop It Now](https://slguardian.org/another-hiroshima-is-coming-unless-we-stop-it-now/) - "When I first went to Hiroshima in 1967, the shadow on the steps was still there. It was an almost perfect impression of a human being at ease: legs splayed, back bent, one hand by her side as she sat waiting for a bank to open. At a quarter past eight on the morning of
- [Sri Lanka: Ex-President Gotabaya in Thailand](https://slguardian.org/sri-lanka-ex-president-gotabaya-in-thailand/) - Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrived in Thailand today evening from Singapore marking his third stop since he left the country a month back. He was granted entry following a request from the Sri Lankan government. Local media in Bangkok reported that he is believed to have arrived at Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport around 8 pm
- [Sri Lanka: On our Accidental President](https://slguardian.org/sri-lanka-on-our-accidental-president/) - Congratulations; Mr Accidental President! A tough journey, isn’t it? Mr Ranil Wickremesinghe's dream came true. But congratulatory messages from friends, so-called friends and foes beyond the island are yet to pour in. No doubt, there are many lessons to be learned from this exceptional political career of a rare personality. When you don't have luck,
- [Sri Lanka: An impeachment against Ranil?](https://slguardian.org/sri-lanka-an-impeachment-against-ranil/) - President Ranil Wickremesinghe is amplifying his political power unprecedentedly. He is a lucky man in an unfortunate state. Simultaneously, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), the political party that gained power in the shortest period in the history of Sri Lanka, and which supported him in bringing him to power, is gradually depleting. But it
- [Sri Lanka: Inflammatory Attacks on Intel Agencies, What Gives?](https://slguardian.org/sri-lanka-inflammatory-attacks-on-intel-agencies-what-gives/) - Instead of using the available intelligence and data-based analysis to inform decision-making at the moment of need, should the intelligence agencies of the country be held accountable for failing miserably having relied on hearsay by elements with vested interests? When coming to power, after promising to change the system of the country, if a leader
- [Sri Lanka: Lest we forget, not Gota, but the political system failed the country](https://slguardian.org/sri-lanka-lest-we-forget-not-gota-but-the-political-system-failed-the-country/) - Gotabaya Rajapaksa made mistakes as the President of the country, and grave ones at that too. Some of his decisions were ill timed and ill informed. Some decisions he should have taken, were not taken. The country is witnessing the aftermath of these decisions and non-decisions. However, he cannot be held solely responsible for the
- [Ukraine Is a Wake-Up Call for Europe](https://slguardian.org/ukraine-is-a-wake-up-call-for-europe/) - It is becoming clear that U.S. neoconservatives have succeeded in creating a warmongering, anti-Russian mood in Europe through an unprecedented information war, the consequences of which will take some time to assess. It is, however, possible to identify the signs of what is to come. Losers: We do not yet know who will win this war
- [What is expected and available on the NHS in UK?](https://slguardian.org/what-is-expected-and-available-on-the-nhs-in-uk/) - With 8 to 10 hours of intermittent sunshine and weather as warm as Sri Lanka, over the past ten days, nobody in their right senses is wanting to visit A&E (Accident & Emergency Dept.) of any hospital, for even urgent healthcare or for emergency treatment, due to weather weariness and the prevailing excessive waiting time
- [U.S. Increases Humanitarian Aid to $4 Million for Cyclone Ditwah Relief in Sri Lanka](https://slguardian.org/u-s-increases-humanitarian-aid-to-4-million-for-cyclone-ditwah-relief-in-sri-lanka/) - The United States Embassy in Sri Lanka today announced an additional $2 million in humanitarian assistance to support communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah, bringing the total U.S. contribution to $4 million. This latest funding follows the initial $2 million aid package announced in December 2025, within 72 hours of the cyclone’s devastating landfall, reflecting the
- [War Department Unveils Bold AI Strategy to Cement U.S. Military Dominance](https://slguardian.org/war-department-unveils-bold-ai-strategy-to-cement-u-s-military-dominance/) - The Department of War formally launched its long-anticipated Artificial Intelligence Acceleration Strategy on Monday, signaling an ambitious drive to secure American dominance in AI-enabled military operations. Mandated by President Trump, the initiative promises to “unleash experimentation, eliminate bureaucratic barriers, focus our investments and demonstrate the execution approach needed to ensure we lead in military AI,”
- [Iqbal Athas: Chronicler of Sri Lanka’s Hidden Realities](https://slguardian.org/iqbal-athas-chronicler-of-sri-lankas-hidden-realities/) - Editorial We read him, we learned from him. He was perhaps one of the last men of the fourth estate to place unshakable trust in verifiable sources while sustaining the highest calibre of journalism. Veteran journalist Iqbal Athas passed away after a brief period of illness today at the age of 81, leaving a legacy
- [Superbrands, Super Lies: How Sri Lanka’s Biggest Banks Manufacture Glory by Paying for Praise](https://slguardian.org/superbrands-super-lies-how-sri-lankas-biggest-banks-manufacture-glory-by-paying-for-praise/) - Full-page advertisements published this week by Hatton National Bank and Commercial Bank have once again exposed a deeply entrenched culture in Sri Lanka where prestige is not earned but purchased. Splashing newspaper spreads with slogans like “Super isn’t just a title. It’s proven” and “Super commitment brings you super recognition,” the banks proudly announce their
- [Monk Slams Educational Reformers, MP Threatens Street Protests](https://slguardian.org/monk-slams-educational-reformers-mp-threatens-street-protests/) - The Most Venerable Thibbutuwawe Sri Sumangala Maha Thero, Maha Nayaka of Sri Lanka’s Malwatta Chapter, has publicly criticized the group responsible for the country’s ongoing education reforms, saying they appear to lack proper understanding of the process. The Maha Thero made the remarks during a visit by representatives of several opposition parties to the Malwatta
- [Sri Lanka and China to Finalize Hambantota Oil Refinery Deal in Early 2026](https://slguardian.org/sri-lanka-and-china-to-finalize-hambantota-oil-refinery-deal-in-early-2026/) - Sri Lanka and China are set to finalize an agreement on the Hambantota Sinopec Oil Refinery Project in the first quarter of 2026, officials confirmed following a meeting between Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The talks, held during Wang’s short visit to Sri Lanka on January 12, also
- [Sri Lankan Officials Urge Government Action on Post-Disaster Housing and Allowances](https://slguardian.org/sri-lankan-officials-urge-government-action-on-post-disaster-housing-and-allowances/) - Sri Lanka’s Divisional Secretaries and Assistant Divisional Secretaries Association, along with the Government Accounts Service Association, have formally appealed to the Secretary of Defense for urgent action to address housing reconstruction and allowance payments for residents affected by recent natural disasters. The appeal also highlights the pressing issue of homes located in high-risk landslide zones.
- [Metrics of a Dying Insurgency](https://slguardian.org/metrics-of-a-dying-insurgency/) - On January 9, 2026, sixty-three cadres of the Communist Party of India–Maoist (CPI-Maoist), 36 of whom carried cumulative rewards worth INR 11.9 million, surrendered in Dantewada District in the Bastar division of Chhattisgarh. Superintendent of Police (SP) Gaurav Rai declared, “Today, on 09/01/2026, a total of 63 Maoist cadres joined the mainstream of society in
- [Elon Musk Faces UK Backlash Over AI Nudification Tool on X](https://slguardian.org/elon-musk-faces-uk-backlash-over-ai-nudification-tool-on-x/) - The UK government and regulators have launched an international row over Elon Musk’s AI chatbot, Grok, hosted on his social media platform X, after users were able to manipulate images to strip people naked without their consent. The tool, which also produced child abuse content later discovered on the dark web, has drawn criticism from
- [Modi Bans Colonial-Era Bandhgala Jacket in Push for Indigenous Fashion](https://slguardian.org/modi-bans-colonial-era-bandhgala-jacket-in-push-for-indigenous-fashion/) - The Indian government has banned the bandhgala, a jacket introduced during British rule for senior railway staff, in a move that reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ongoing campaign to eliminate colonial influences from Indian society, Times UK reported. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw described the ban as part of a wider effort to “get rid of
- [Study Finds Same-Sex Sexual Behaviour Widespread Among Primates](https://slguardian.org/study-finds-same-sex-sexual-behaviour-widespread-among-primates/) - A new study led by researchers at Imperial College London has found that same-sex sexual behaviour is a recurring feature of primate life, challenging the long-held notion that sex among animals is solely for reproduction. The analysis, which examined data from almost 500 non-human primate species, revealed evidence of such behaviour in 59 species ranging
- [Pro-Trump Manhattanites Speak Out From the Shadows](https://slguardian.org/pro-trump-manhattanites-speak-out-from-the-shadows/) - A group of Donald Trump supporters living in Manhattan, many of whom are immigrants or belong to minority communities, say they have kept their political allegiance largely private out of concern for social and professional retaliation, Times UK reported. The informal network, which includes businesspeople, teachers, comedians, and former Rockettes, meets in secret at a
- [UK Eyes Seizure of Russian Shadow Fleet Vessels Amid Legal Breakthrough](https://slguardian.org/uk-eyes-seizure-of-russian-shadow-fleet-vessels-amid-legal-breakthrough/) - The UK government has reportedly found a legal basis to authorize military operations against Russian shadow fleet vessels, which transport oil around the world to generate revenue for Moscow’s war effort, The Times UK reported. Officials believe that under the Sanctions and Money Laundering Act 2018, soldiers could board and detain tankers that are sanctioned
- [Indonesia Explores Purchase of Pakistani Jets and Drones in Defence Talks](https://slguardian.org/indonesia-explores-purchase-of-pakistani-jets-and-drones-in-defence-talks/) - Indonesia’s defence minister met Pakistan’s air force chief in Islamabad on Monday to discuss a potential deal that could include the sale of JF-17 combat jets and killer drones, Reuters reported, citing three security officials with knowledge of the meeting. The discussions are part of Pakistan’s broader effort to expand its defence industry and secure
- [Trump’s Credit Card Rate Cap Proposal Sparks Alarm Among Banks and Markets](https://slguardian.org/trumps-credit-card-rate-cap-proposal-sparks-alarm-among-banks-and-markets/) - President Trump called for a one-year cap on credit card interest rates on Friday, without providing details on implementation. Financial analysts immediately noted that such a move would require congressional approval and faces slim odds of becoming law. Reuters reported that the announcement rattled markets, with financial stocks from Wall Street to Canary Wharf dropping
- [Paramount Escalates Battle for Warner Bros With Aggressive Legal and Board Moves](https://slguardian.org/paramount-escalates-battle-for-warner-bros-with-aggressive-legal-and-board-moves/) - Paramount Skydance (PSKY.O) intensified its fight to acquire Warner Bros Discovery (WBD.O) on Monday by filing a lawsuit demanding more information about Netflix’s $82.7 billion rival offer and announcing plans to nominate directors to Warner Bros’ board, Reuters reported. The moves mark some of Paramount’s most aggressive steps yet to persuade shareholders that its hostile
- [Alphabet Surges to $4 Trillion Market Value Amid AI Momentum](https://slguardian.org/alphabet-surges-to-4-trillion-market-value-amid-ai-momentum/) - Alphabet (GOOGL.O) reached a $4 trillion market valuation on Monday, driven by investor confidence in its sharpened artificial intelligence strategy, Reuters reported. The milestone also marked the first time since 2019 that Alphabet surpassed Apple (AAPL.O) in market capitalization, making it the world’s second most valuable company. Investor sentiment has shifted dramatically in Alphabet’s favor,
- [US Justice Department Opens Criminal Probe Into Fed Chair Jerome Powell](https://slguardian.org/us-justice-department-opens-criminal-probe-into-fed-chair-jerome-powell/) - The Justice Department has launched a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Board Chair Jerome H. Powell, the central bank confirmed Sunday, Reuters and The Washington Post reported. The inquiry centers on Powell’s June testimony before a Senate panel regarding renovations at the Fed’s Washington headquarters along the National Mall. Powell described the subpoenas as an
- [Saudi Arabia Once Threatened Nuclear-Style Oil Sabotage Against U.S.](https://slguardian.org/saudi-arabia-once-threatened-nuclear-style-oil-sabotage-against-u-s/) - During the height of the 1973 oil crisis, Saudi Arabia’s oil minister, Ahmed Zaki Yamani, issued a stark warning: if the United States attempted a military intervention to seize Saudi oil, the kingdom could retaliate by destroying key sections of its own oil fields. Yamani described the action as a last-resort “suicide” move that would
- [Billionaire Ronald Lauder Linked to Trump’s Controversial Greenland Ambitions](https://slguardian.org/billionaire-ronald-lauder-linked-to-trumps-controversial-greenland-ambitions/) - Ronald Lauder, a billionaire scion of the Estée Lauder cosmetics empire and a fixture in Washington’s political and lobbying circles, has emerged as a key figure behind former President Donald Trump’s infamous idea to “buy Greenland.” With a net worth of $4.7 billion, Lauder has leveraged his wealth and influence to shape policy, fund political
- [The Secret History of a “Legitimate” Referendum in Venezuela](https://slguardian.org/the-secret-history-of-a-legitimate-referendum-in-venezuela/) - Editor’s Note: This investigation is published in collaboration with CIAGtate, a collective of voluntarily-based investigative researchers dedicated to exploring contemporary geopolitical issues. The report represents months of research, cross-verification, and analysis of primary sources and eyewitness accounts. April 28, 2008. A private aircraft departs from Maiquetía International Airport in Venezuela. On board is Alfredo José
- [When Gangsters Become Insurgents](https://slguardian.org/two-indias-one-crisis/) - In early 2026, Punjab witnessed a spate of targeted killings and gang-related murders, with at least six incidents reported in the first eight days, reflecting a deterioration in law and order and, in most cases, suspected links to transnational organised crime and foreign-based gangster–terrorist–drug smuggling networks. Although no fatalities have been directly attributed to terrorism,
- [Sri Lanka: A Textbook Error, A Political Inferno](https://slguardian.org/sri-lanka-a-textbook-error-a-political-inferno/) - A single mistake that was in a Grade 6 English textbook has ignited a huge firestorm in Sri Lanka. What should have been a straightforward quality control issue has instead become a full-blown political crisis. This has raised urgent questions about accountability, democratic discourse, and the future of education reform in the country. The problem
- [The Capture of Maduro and Journalistic Ethics](https://slguardian.org/the-capture-of-maduro-and-journalistic-ethics/) - The media does play a vital role in our democracy, and if we cannot depend on journalistic ethics, the nation's in trouble. ~ Dave Brat The Challenging Questions I was profoundly intrigued — almost compelled to intellectual scrutiny — upon watching the recent BBC “Media Show” program that addressed a subject at once intimate to the ethos
- [Multipolarity on Trial](https://slguardian.org/multipolarity-on-trial/) - On January 3, 2026, the United States did not merely bomb a sovereign country and capture its president. It displayed, in the most unambiguous terms, a total defiance of the post-War international order that it helped create. When US special forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and National Assembly deputy Cilia Flores from Caracas
- [This Is a Coup](https://slguardian.org/this-is-a-coup/) - In these early days of January, we have had to witness what hoped never to see, though it comes as no surprise: the kidnapping of a legitimate sitting president through a criminal act of aggression by the United States. The initial bewilderment that followed in the first hours after the US military operation has given
- [Flying Kites Over History: India and Germany’s Bold Reinvention](https://slguardian.org/flying-kites-over-history-india-and-germanys-bold-reinvention/) - Editorial How adorable: the Prime Minister of the world’s largest democracy chose the perfect foreign counterpart to fly a kite with. They came and flying kites over the sky, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcoming his counterpart, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, with the innocent zeal of cultural pageantry at the International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad, when
- [Iran Claims Foreign-Backed Riots Kill 100 Forces, Destroy 350 Mosques](https://slguardian.org/foreign-backed-protests-kill-100-security-forces-destroy-hundreds-of-mosques-iran/) - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arachi has accused foreign intelligence agencies and terrorist groups of orchestrating deadly violence during weeks of protests across Iran, claiming that initially peaceful demonstrations were deliberately transformed into armed unrest aimed at destabilizing the country. Speaking to foreign diplomats in Tehran this morning, Arachi presented what he described as documented evidence
- [UN Faces Leadership Vacuum as Divisions Deepen Over Next Secretary General](https://slguardian.org/un-faces-leadership-vacuum-as-divisions-deepen-over-next-secretary-general/) - United Nations diplomats are quietly preparing for the possibility that the organisation may be unable to agree on its next secretary general, a scenario that could leave the post temporarily vacant when António Guterres’s term ends in December. According to reporting by Observer UK, growing rivalry among the world’s major powers has cast doubt on
- [Legacy of Failed Terror Laws in Sri Lanka](https://slguardian.org/legacy-of-failed-terror-laws-in-sri-lanka/) - Read Part One of this series The correct title for the proposed bill mentioned in the first part of this article should be "Protection of the State from Terrorism Act – PSTA," not "Prevention of State Terrorism Bill" (PSTA). I regret the oversight. Why Sri Lanka Must Repeal the PTA Let us start with an
- [Sri Lanka's Coal Crooks](https://slguardian.org/sri-lankas-coal-crooks/) - Corruption has eaten into the vitals of Sri Lanka’s power and energy sectors to such an extent that one wonders whether ‘C’ in the initialisms of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) stands for ‘Corrupt’. Pressure is mounting on the government to cancel a questionable coal tender which is causing
- [Sri Lanka Rocked by Coal Scandal as Lab Report Flags Substandard Fuel at Major Power Plant](https://slguardian.org/sri-lanka-rocked-by-coal-scandal-as-lab-report-flags-substandard-fuel-at-major-power-plant/) - Sri Lanka’s energy sector has been thrust into renewed turmoil after detailed laboratory test results from the Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant revealed that recently imported coal fails to meet multiple technical standards set out in government tenders. The findings have intensified accusations of corruption, procurement manipulation, and potential financial losses that could ultimately be passed
- [Iran: The Long Collapse](https://slguardian.org/iran-the-long-collapse/) - The current economic state of Iran is unsustainable, thus a transition in the medium term is inevitable, what form it takes and when it happens remains to be seen, an inevitable long game is evident. The past few weeks, starting December 28, protests in Iran have dominated the global headlines despite the United States Operation
- [America’s Gestapo](https://slguardian.org/americas-gestapo/) - I have seen the masked goons who terrorize our streets before. I saw them during the “Dirty War” in Argentina, where 30,000 men, women and children were “disappeared” by the military junta. Victims were held in secret prisons, savagely tortured and murdered. To this day, many families do not know the fate of their loved
- [German Chancellor Merz Heads to India to Boost Trade, Security, and Strategic Ties](https://slguardian.org/german-chancellor-merz-heads-to-india-to-boost-trade-security-and-strategic-ties/) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz departed for India on Sunday in a high-profile visit aimed at strengthening economic and security partnerships between Europe’s largest economy and the world’s most populous democracy. Merz’s trip, his first to Asia since taking office last May, comes just two weeks ahead of a planned EU-India summit and as the two
- [Exclusive: Why Peace is Messy—and the West Still Doesn’t Get It — Erik Solheim](https://slguardian.org/exclusive-why-peace-is-messy-erik-solheim/) - Erik Solheim needs no introduction. He was in Sri Lanka during the most pivotal time of the country’s political transition, and he became involved in the affairs of Sri Lanka purely by accident, once he came to Colombo thinking to write a book. Erik has had a long and varied career in international politics and
- [Putin and Bush Declassified: “Destroy Them Like Rats” and the Dead-or-Alive Alliance](https://slguardian.org/putin-and-bush-declassified-destroy-them-like-rats-and-the-dead-or-alive-alliance/) - Newly declassified transcripts of private conversations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President George W. Bush provide an unprecedented window into the early months following the September 11 attacks, exposing a relationship marked by both fierce personal camaraderie and starkly militaristic rhetoric. The documents, obtained by the National Security Archive at George Washington University
- [Peru Walks a Tightrope Between China and the US Amid Superpower Rivalry](https://slguardian.org/peru-walks-a-tightrope-between-china-and-the-us-amid-superpower-rivalry/) - As tensions rise across South America, Peru is emerging as a focal point in the strategic competition between the United States and China, with its vast mineral wealth and key infrastructure projects drawing global attention, the South China Morning Post reports. Peru has long sought to maintain a delicate balance between Beijing and Washington. The
- [Sri Lanka Minister Brands Leading Buddhist Monk a “Wildman” Over Sexual Hypocrisy](https://slguardian.org/sri-lanka-minister-brands-mihintale-monk-a-wildman-over-sexual-hypocrisy/) - Sri Lanka’s Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, Lal Kantha, delivered a sharp and unprecedented critique of a Buddhist monk in Mihintale, accusing him of moral hypocrisy and obstruction of national education reform. Speaking at the annual Sri Lanka Agricultural College Alumni Association conference at the Asliya Golden Cassandra Hotel in Kurunegala, yesterday ,
- [Sri Lanka Faces Institutional Standoff as AG Appointment Triggers Political Deadlock](https://slguardian.org/sri-lanka-faces-institutional-standoff-as-ag-appointment-triggers-political-deadlock/) - A growing dispute over the appointment of Sri Lanka’s Auditor General (AG) has intensified tensions between the government and opposition, raising concerns about the functioning of key oversight institutions and the country’s system of checks and balances. At the heart of the standoff is the Constitutional Council, a body created in 2001 to curb the
- [Maersk Looks to Ethanol to Reduce China Dependence and Advance Green Shipping](https://slguardian.org/maersk-looks-to-ethanol-to-reduce-china-dependence-and-advance-green-shipping/) - Chief Executive Vincent Clerc said ethanol, primarily produced in the United States and Brazil, could diversify supply chains and distribute the economic “upside” of decarbonisation more evenly across nations. “If all the upside is only in China, then some countries will object,” Clerc told the Financial Times. “But if the upside is more evenly distributed,
- [Egypt Strikes $1.8 Billion Renewable Energy Deals to Power Ambitious Green Transition](https://slguardian.org/egypt-strikes-1-8-billion-renewable-energy-deals-to-power-ambitious-green-transition/) - State-run media reported on Sunday that Egypt finalized agreements with Norwegian renewable energy developer Scatec and Chinese company Sungrow, targeting both solar power generation and energy storage solutions. Officials say these projects are crucial to achieving the country’s goal of generating 42% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, though they warn that reaching
- [India Pushes Controversial Smartphone Security Rules, Raising Industry Alarm](https://slguardian.org/india-pushes-controversial-smartphone-security-rules-raising-industry-alarm/) - The initiative, part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to strengthen user data security amid rising online fraud and breaches, covers 83 security standards, including mandatory alerts to the government for major software updates. Sources familiar with the discussions, along with a Reuters review of confidential government and industry documents, indicate that companies such as
- [EU Poised to Sign Landmark Mercosur Trade Deal Despite French Resistance](https://slguardian.org/eu-poised-to-sign-landmark-mercosur-trade-deal-despite-french-resistance/) - The pact, which will create an integrated market of 780 million consumers and marks the EU’s largest trade deal in decades, was finalized at a meeting of EU ambassadors after Italy, previously a swing vote, decided to back the proposal. The accord, which includes Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, is expected to be signed in
- [Sri Lanka’s Power Shift: From Stars to Politics](https://slguardian.org/sri-lankas-power-shift-from-stars-to-politics/) - During the 2024 presidential election, after Thalatha Athukorala withdrew from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, popular actress and SLPP parliamentarian Geetha Kumarasinghe appeared on Sajith’s stage in Kandy. Within 24 hours of Geetha expressing her support for Sajith, JVP presidential candidate Anura mocked her, saying it was like “giving up Thalatha and taking Geetha instead.” At
- [Candour Without Limits](https://slguardian.org/candour-without-limits/) - At the beginning of President Trump’s second term, I committed myself to looking past the noise. The past week challenges that discipline. In foreign policy, President Trump has openly embraced coercion — from the removal of Venezuela’s president to threats against Greenland. At home, a young mother was shot by ICE agents in Minneapolis, followed
- [Fukuyama Warns Trump’s Venezuela Policy Risks Repeating Iraq and Afghanistan Mistakes](https://slguardian.org/fukuyama-warns-trumps-venezuela-policy-risks-repeating-iraq-and-afghanistan-mistakes/) - Francis Fukuyama, the renowned political scientist and Stanford fellow, cautions that the Trump administration’s approach to Venezuela risks becoming another failed foreign intervention. In a recent column for Persuasion, Fukuyama argues that Washington’s current strategy—a minimalist form of “nation-building-lite” aimed primarily at restoring oil production—overlooks the essential prerequisites for stability: democratic legitimacy, security, and local
- [The Dollar Wars](https://slguardian.org/the-dollar-wars/) - The U.S. global order has long rested on oil being traded in dollars. From the Nixon era through the 1970s, Washington secured key producers (not least Saudi Arabia) to price oil only in USD, creating the “petrodollar” system that anchors American financial power. Historically, whenever a country’s leaders have tried to sidestep the dollar, selling
- [Massive Chinese Immune Cell Atlas Reveals Population-Specific Differences](https://slguardian.org/massive-chinese-immune-cell-atlas-reveals-population-specific-differences/) - A groundbreaking study mapping immune cells in more than 400 Chinese adults has uncovered critical differences in immune function between populations, offering new insights for personalized medicine and drug development. Published in Science, the Chinese Immune Multi-Omics Atlas (CIMA) combines genetic, proteomic, RNA, and epigenetic data to provide a comprehensive view of immune-cell behavior in
- [Mpox Evolution Raises Alarms Over Potential Global Resurgence](https://slguardian.org/mpox-evolution-raises-alarms-over-potential-global-resurgence/) - As mpox continues to trigger localized outbreaks in Africa and sporadic cases elsewhere, scientists warn that the virus is evolving in ways that could set the stage for another global surge. A series of studies, including recent research published in Nature, reveals that new mpox strains are more adept at spreading between humans and may
- [Chinese AI Models Set to Reshape Silicon Valley in 2026](https://slguardian.org/chinese-ai-models-set-to-reshape-silicon-valley-in-2026/) - As artificial intelligence continues its rapid evolution, 2026 promises to be a pivotal year, with Chinese AI models gaining unprecedented influence in Silicon Valley and regulatory tensions escalating in the United States. MIT Technology Review’s annual forecast highlights five key trends shaping the AI landscape in the months to come. Chinese AI models are poised
- [Trump’s Venezuela Strike Signals a New Era of U.S. Power Politics](https://slguardian.org/trumps-venezuela-strike-signals-a-new-era-of-u-s-power-politics/) - The scene inside the White House’s East Room on Friday had the air of a modern court, with President Donald Trump at its center, buoyant after a daring U.S. military operation that seized Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in Caracas. Around him stood senior advisers and executives from major multinational oil companies, gathered to praise what
- [Kim Jong-Un’s Daughter Steps Into the Spotlight, Fueling Succession Speculation](https://slguardian.org/kim-jong-uns-daughter-steps-into-the-spotlight-fueling-succession-speculation/) - In North Korea, where politics is staged through symbols as much as decrees, the repeated appearance of Kim Jong-Un’s daughter Ju-ae at high-profile state events is being read as a deliberate message. Over the first days of 2026, state media released images showing the teenage girl accompanying her father during New Year celebrations and a
- [US Report Warns China Eyes Military Bases in Pakistan and Bangladesh](https://slguardian.org/us-report-warns-china-eyes-military-bases-in-pakistan-and-bangladesh/) - China has expressed interest in establishing military bases in Pakistan and Bangladesh as part of a broader strategy to extend the global reach of the People’s Liberation Army, according to a new assessment by the United States Congress. The China Military Power Report (CMPR) 2025 highlights both countries as potential locations where Beijing would like
- [China’s One-Child Policy Returns as a Demographic Reckoning](https://slguardian.org/chinas-one-child-policy-returns-as-a-demographic-reckoning/) - China is confronting the long-term consequences of what has often been described as the largest social experiment in human history. For more than three decades, the one-child policy reshaped family life, gender norms, and population growth in the world’s most populous nation. Now, as El Pais reports, the country is paying a steep price in
- [Iran’s Ruling Clerics Face Growing Threat as Protests Raise Questions of Who Comes Next](https://slguardian.org/irans-ruling-clerics-face-growing-threat-as-protests-raise-questions-of-who-comes-next/) - Iran’s Islamic regime is facing what many observers describe as its most serious existential challenge in decades, as expanding public protests show little sign of abating despite calls from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to crush the unrest by force. According to analysts cited in international media, the demonstrations are gaining momentum rather than fading,
- [Nobel Committee Closes Door on Machado’s Attempt to Reassign Peace Prize](https://slguardian.org/nobel-committee-closes-door-on-machados-attempt-to-reassign-peace-prize/) - The Norwegian Nobel Committee has firmly rejected any suggestion that a Nobel Peace Prize can be revoked, shared, or transferred, delivering a decisive setback to Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado amid swirling political controversy. In a rare and unequivocal clarification, the Nobel authorities stressed that once the prize is awarded, the decision is final
- [Greenland Resists Trump’s Ambitions as Colonial Wounds Resurface](https://slguardian.org/greenland-resists-trumps-ambitions-as-colonial-wounds-resurface/) - Donald Trump has set his sights on Greenland, the world’s largest island, drawing global attention to a territory of just 57,000 inhabitants. The U.S. president has openly discussed purchasing the island and has not ruled out military action to acquire it, despite Greenland being part of NATO through Denmark. Yet for Greenlanders, the prospect of
- [Legal Rift Emerges Over Alleged Misuse of State Funds by Former Sri Lankan President](https://slguardian.org/legal-rift-emerges-over-alleged-misuse-of-state-funds-by-former-sri-lankan-president/) - Sri Lanka’s top legal offices are divided over whether former President Ranil Wickremesinghe should face prosecution for the alleged misappropriation of Rs. 16.6 million (approximately USD 26,000) in state funds during a visit to the United Kingdom. Two senior officials in the Attorney General’s Department have offered opposing views on whether the evidence gathered is
- [Sri Lankan Parliament Cracks Down on Employee Drug and Alcohol Use](https://slguardian.org/sri-lankan-parliament-cracks-down-on-employee-drug-and-alcohol-use/) - Sri Lanka’s Parliament is taking decisive steps to address reports of drug, alcohol, and cigarette use among its staff. Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne has instructed parliamentary officials to investigate and take strict action against employees found violating regulations on the premises. The move follows allegations that staff in multiple departments, including the canteen, were secretly using
- [Seventeen Years Later, Justice Eludes Lasantha Wickramatunga’s Family](https://slguardian.org/seventeen-years-later-justice-eludes-lasantha-wickramatungas-family/) - Seventeen years after the assassination of Lasantha Wickramatunga, Sri Lanka’s acclaimed journalist and founding editor of the Sunday Leader, his murder remains unresolved, highlighting persistent challenges for press freedom and justice in the country. In an exclusive interview with the State-run newspaper Silumina, Lal Wickramatunga, Lasantha’s elder brother, spoke candidly about his brother’s life, career,
- [Nearly One in Four Sri Lankans Lives in Poverty, New Report Warns](https://slguardian.org/nearly-one-in-four-sri-lankans-lives-in-poverty-new-report-warns/) - Nearly 25 percent of Sri Lanka’s population is currently living in poverty, according to surveys highlighted in a new report released by the Poverty Analysis Center in collaboration with ODI Global. Experts at the launch emphasized the urgent need for economic reforms to address entrenched inequalities and ensure sustainable growth. The report, titled “Sustaining Sri
- [Sri Lanka’s Drug Lab Left Unupdated for over 30 Years, Patient Safety at Risk](https://slguardian.org/sri-lankas-drug-lab-left-unupdated-for-over-30-years-patient-safety-at-risk/) - Sri Lanka’s healthcare system is under intense scrutiny as concerns mount over substandard medicines and vaccines, with experts warning that outdated testing facilities are putting patients at risk. Speaking to a weekly newspaper in Colombo, Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe, Media Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary of the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA), revealed that the National Medicines
- [Israel and Hamas Prepare for Renewed War as Gaza Peace Plan Stalls](https://slguardian.org/israel-and-hamas-prepare-for-renewed-war-as-gaza-peace-plan-stalls/) - Israel and Hamas are bracing for renewed fighting in Gaza as the Palestinian militant group refuses to fully disarm, a key requirement delaying progress on President Trump’s peace plan, the Wall Street Journal reports. Israeli military planners have drafted contingency plans for a new ground operation, while Hamas is focused on rebuilding its military capabilities,
- [Rishi Sunak Warns: “Most Dangerous Times in Living Memory” Amid Global Upheaval](https://slguardian.org/rishi-sunak-warns-most-dangerous-times-in-living-memory-amid-global-upheaval/) - Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has described the current global landscape as “some of the most dangerous times in living memory,” while simultaneously highlighting its transformative potential, in his regular column for Times UK. Writing under the headline, “Trump’s new world is dangerous but brings opportunity,” Sunak warns that the international order is shifting
- [Venezuela’s Debt Crisis Could Soon See Resolution After Maduro’s Exit](https://slguardian.org/venezuelas-debt-crisis-could-soon-see-resolution-after-maduros-exit/) - The departure of Nicolás Maduro from Venezuela has opened the door to what could become the world’s largest and most complex sovereign debt restructuring since Greece’s 2012 default, the Financial Times reports. Investors and creditors are cautiously optimistic that an end to nearly a decade of default is now possible, though significant hurdles remain. Under
- [OpenAI and SoftBank Commit $1 Billion to Power Massive AI Data Centres](https://slguardian.org/openai-and-softbank-commit-1-billion-to-power-massive-ai-data-centres/) - OpenAI and Japanese conglomerate SoftBank have agreed to jointly invest $1 billion in SB Energy, a move aimed at accelerating the development of large-scale data centres to support artificial intelligence growth. The deal, announced on Friday, will see each company contribute $500 million to SB Energy, which has increasingly turned to data-centre construction alongside its
- [Argentina Fully Repays $20 Billion US Currency Swap After Market Crisis](https://slguardian.org/argentina-fully-repays-20-billion-us-currency-swap-after-market-crisis/) - Argentina has fully repaid the funds drawn under its $20 billion currency swap with the US Treasury, signaling a significant recovery from the market turmoil that threatened President Javier Milei’s government last year. The repayment comes as Milei consolidates his position following a midterm election victory and renewed investor confidence. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent
- [Ethiopia Breaks Ground on $12.5 Billion Mega-Airport to Redefine Africa](https://slguardian.org/ethiopia-breaks-ground-on-12-5-billion-mega-airport-to-redefine-africa/) - Ethiopia has launched construction of a $12.5 billion airport that officials say will be the largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa, marking a major expansion of the country’s ambitions as a continental air transport hub. The new Bishoftu International Airport broke ground on Saturday in the town of Bishoftu, about 45 kilometers southeast of Addis
- [BRICS Plus Navies Launch Joint Drills in South African Waters Amid Global Tensions](https://slguardian.org/brics-plus-navies-launch-joint-drills-in-south-african-waters-amid-global-tensions/) - China, Russia and Iran on Saturday began a week of joint naval exercises in South Africa’s territorial waters, an operation the host nation described as a BRICS Plus initiative aimed at safeguarding shipping lanes and maritime economic activity. The drills come at a time of heightened geopolitical strain between several BRICS Plus members and the
- [Inside Washington’s Long Campaign to Topple Iran’s Rulers](https://slguardian.org/inside-washingtons-long-campaign-to-topple-irans-rulers/) - Since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution severed ties with Washington and replaced a U.S.-backed monarchy with an Islamic republic, successive American administrations have pursued a sustained effort to weaken or overthrow Iran’s government. That campaign has spanned covert intelligence operations, military action, economic warfare, cyberattacks, and diplomatic isolation, driven by a consistent objective: regime change in
- [“They Made Us Bleed Without Touching Us”: Maduro Guard Alleges Secret U.S. Weapons](https://slguardian.org/they-made-us-bleed-without-touching-us-maduro-guard-alleges-secret-u-s-weapons/) - A security guard assigned to protect Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has delivered a chilling account of what he describes as a U.S. military attack that left government forces overwhelmed by technology they could neither detect nor counter. Speaking after the January 3 incident, the guard alleged that American forces deployed advanced systems that completely disabled
- [CIA Paints Dire Picture of Cuba but Stops Short of Predicting Regime Collapse](https://slguardian.org/cia-paints-dire-picture-of-cuba-but-stops-short-of-predicting-regime-collapse/) - U.S. intelligence agencies have produced bleak assessments of Cuba’s economic and political condition, but those findings do not conclusively support President Donald Trump’s assertion that the communist-led island is on the brink of collapse following recent U.S. military action in Venezuela, according to three people familiar with the classified reports. The CIA assessments describe an
- [“Uninvestable”: ExxonMobil CEO Publicly Defies Trump’s Push to Reopen Venezuela’s Oil](https://slguardian.org/uninvestable-exxonmobil-ceo-publicly-defies-trumps-push-to-reopen-venezuelas-oil/) - ExxonMobil’s chief executive has delivered a blunt rebuke to President Donald Trump’s efforts to entice U.S. oil companies back into Venezuela, declaring that the country remains effectively off-limits for serious investment. Speaking directly to Trump during a televised White House meeting with top energy executives, ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods said Venezuela’s current legal and commercial
- [Iran Arrests Hundreds, Blames U.S. and Israel for Deadly Protests](https://slguardian.org/iran-arrests-hundreds-blames-u-s-and-israel-for-deadly-protests/) - Iranian security officials say more than 100 people have been arrested across several provinces in connection with recent riots that authorities claim were driven by foreign interference, including by the United States and Israel. The developments were reported by Press TV, Iran’s state-run television network, citing security sources, police officials, and senior government figures. According
- [The Man Who Would Be King](https://slguardian.org/the-man-who-would-be-king/) - Trump has a serious problem. He wants to be the `stupor mundi’ i.e. the master of the world, but he is running out of things to conquer. Alexander the Great ran into a similar problem when his vanguard reached today’s Afghanistan: ‘oh Zeus! Not another damned desert. Will they never end?’ Trump has won the
- [Terrorism Resurges as the West Turns to Great Power Rivalry](https://slguardian.org/terrorism-resurges-as-the-west-turns-to-great-power-rivalry/) - Global counterterrorism efforts are losing ground as nations pivot to great power competition, leaving militant groups, criminal networks, and emerging technologies free to expand their reach, according to a detailed report by The Soufan Center. Analysts warn that the year ahead could see unprecedented levels of terrorist activity, including the integration of drones and artificial
- [Middle East on a Knife-Edge: Will 2026 Bring Peace or War?](https://slguardian.org/middle-east-on-a-knife-edge-will-2026-bring-peace-or-war/) - As 2026 begins, the Middle East faces a critical juncture. Analysts warn that the region could either move toward fragile stability or descend once again into widespread conflict. Persistent crises in Gaza, Lebanon, Libya, Sudan, and Yemen, combined with political instability in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, remain unresolved, ensuring that diplomats and security planners will
- [Iran Burns Quietly: The Unseen Fire of Dissent](https://slguardian.org/iran-burns-quietly-the-unseen-fire-of-dissent/) - Recent protests have broken out across several Iranian cities, due to long-standing dissatisfaction among citizens. These protestors do not come like flash drives. They are slow fires that finally come to light. It is ordinary men and women, students, workers, shopkeepers, and mothers, who are raising their voices in the open spaces, and they understand
- [Bangladesh and Pakistan Rewrite South Asia](https://slguardian.org/bangladesh-and-pakistan-rewrite-south-asia/) - The recent talks about a defense pact between Bangladesh and Pakistan provide a bright spot in their otherwise tense relationship. After the political changes in Dhaka in 2024, relations between the two countries began to warm, culminating in talks between high-ranking officials on January 6, 2026. Bangladesh Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood
- [Former CIA Chief Warns Against “Imitating Autocrats” in US Foreign Policy](https://slguardian.org/former-cia-chief-warns-against-imitating-autocrats-in-us-foreign-policy/) - Former CIA director William Burns, one of America’s most experienced diplomats, has delivered a pointed critique of recent US foreign policy, warning that emulating authoritarian tactics is “not a winning formula” and cautioning against the unpredictable consequences of regime change operations. His remarks, captured in an in-depth interview with the Financial Times, offer a rare
- [U.S. Seizes Fifth “Shadow Fleet” Tanker Amid Rising Tensions With Russia](https://slguardian.org/u-s-seizes-fifth-shadow-fleet-tanker-amid-rising-tensions-with-russia/) - The U.S. Coast Guard boarded a fifth oil tanker early Friday as part of ongoing operations to enforce sanctions against vessels transporting Venezuelan crude, according to U.S. officials. The tanker, identified as the Olina, previously known as Minerva M, was sanctioned for its role in moving Russian oil and is registered under an East Timor
- [Meta Backs Nuclear Power to Fuel AI Boom, Pledges Support for U.S. Reactors](https://slguardian.org/meta-backs-nuclear-power-to-fuel-ai-boom-pledges-support-for-u-s-reactors/) - Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, announced on Friday a series of agreements that position it as a major customer for both new and existing nuclear power in the United States, underscoring the tech industry’s growing reliance on carbon-free, large-scale electricity to meet soaring artificial intelligence (AI) computing demands. The agreements involve backing new
- [Major IMO Treaty Amendments Take Effect, Boosting Safety and Accountability at Sea](https://slguardian.org/major-imo-treaty-amendments-take-effect-boosting-safety-and-accountability-at-sea/) - A sweeping set of amendments to key International Maritime Organization (IMO) treaties and codes came into force on January 1, 2026, introducing new safety measures, environmental protections, and training requirements for seafarers globally. The changes span multiple conventions, including SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, and the Polar Code, reflecting the IMO’s ongoing efforts to modernize regulations in
- [Sri Lankan Monk Says Government “Inexperienced” to Handle Education Reforms](https://slguardian.org/sri-lankan-monk-says-government-inexperienced-to-handle-education-reforms/) - The Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Thero, Chief Prelate of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siam Nikaya, has openly questioned the current Sri Lankan government’s ability to implement effective educational reforms, describing it as “inexperienced” in managing the country’s school system. Speaking to representatives of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party during a recent visit, the
- [J&K: India’s Epicenter of Narco-Terror](https://slguardian.org/jk-indias-epicenter-of-narco-terror/) - Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has seen an exponential increase in drug use in recent years. During the first week of 2026, a number of narcotics-related arrests and recoveries in the Union Territory (UT) included: On January 7, Police recovered 4.5 kilograms of charas during routine patrolling in the Kulpora area of Pulwama District and arrested one peddler,
- [The Attack on Venezuela and the Narco-Terrorism Fairy Tale](https://slguardian.org/the-attack-on-venezuela-and-the-narco-terrorism-fairy-tale/) - Current developments in Venezuela may appear to be unfathomable—until one recalls the long history of imperialist interference in Latin America and the Caribbean. The events of the first week of January constitute an escalation of a long-standing campaign to overthrow the Bolivarian Revolution and resume control on the country with the largest known oil reserves in the
- [Bangladesh Teeters Towards Failed State](https://slguardian.org/bangladesh-teeters-towards-failed-state/) - Since the ouster of elected Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, on August 5, 2024, Bangladesh has been experiencing political volatility, social turmoil, and an endless spate of violence. With around a month remaining before the 13th National Parliamentary Elections, scheduled to be held on February 12, 2026, law enforcement agencies have identified more than one-third of
- [Colombo Stock Exchange Gambit Raises Fears of Market Manipulation](https://slguardian.org/colombo-stock-exchange-gambit-raises-fears-of-market-manipulation/) - Sri Lanka’s financial regulators have launched a detailed inquiry into an unusual incident at the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) on January 7, which saw a newly listed company’s shares surge to Rs. 25,000 each, prompting an immediate trading suspension. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) confirmed the investigation, emphasizing that it will take several days
- [Elon Musk Activates Starlink in Iran Amid Nationwide Internet Blackout](https://slguardian.org/elon-musk-activates-starlink-in-iran-amid-nationwide-internet-blackout/) - US entrepreneur Elon Musk and SpaceX have activated Starlink satellite internet in Iran, providing access to uncensored communications during a near-total government-imposed blackout, according to multiple online reports on January 9, 2026. The move allows Iranians with smuggled Starlink terminals to bypass regime restrictions, with service reportedly free for a limited period. The latest wave
- [Britain Invests in Laser Weapons to Shield Military Bases from Drone Threats](https://slguardian.org/britain-invests-in-laser-weapons-to-shield-military-bases-from-drone-threats/) - Britain is accelerating the development of laser weapons designed to protect military installations and key national infrastructure from drone attacks, The Times has learned. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is investigating how directed energy systems could be integrated into homeland air defence as part of a £20 million investment in this cutting-edge technology. Central to
- [Trump's Loyal Spymaster Redefines CIA Operations](https://slguardian.org/trumps-loyal-spymaster-redefines-cia-operations/) - John Ratcliffe, the former Texas congressman turned CIA director, has emerged as a central figure in Washington’s intelligence landscape, guiding the agency toward more aggressive covert operations. The recent high-profile raid to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has highlighted his influence and underscored a dramatic shift in the CIA under his leadership. Ratcliffe, 60, was
- [Monica Lewinsky Reclaims Her Narrative After Decades in the Spotlight](https://slguardian.org/monica-lewinsky-reclaims-her-narrative-after-decades-in-the-spotlight/) - Monica Lewinsky, now 52, has spent nearly three decades redefining a life that was thrust into public scrutiny without her consent. As a 24-year-old White House intern in 1998, Lewinsky became a global figure overnight after her 18-month affair with President Bill Clinton was exposed. The former intern recalls feeling “hunted,” unable to leave her
- [NASA Orders First-Ever Early Return of ISS Crew for Medical Reasons](https://slguardian.org/nasa-orders-first-ever-early-return-of-iss-crew-for-medical-reasons/) - NASA has announced plans to bring the Crew‑11 team aboard the International Space Station (ISS) home several days earlier than originally scheduled due to a medical concern involving an unidentified astronaut. Officials emphasized that the crew member’s condition is stable and that the decision is precautionary rather than an emergency evacuation, marking the first controlled
- [Pakistan Nears $1.5 Billion Arms Deal to Aid Sudan’s Army](https://slguardian.org/pakistan-nears-1-5-billion-arms-deal-to-aid-sudans-army/) - Pakistan is in the final stages of a $1.5-billion deal to supply weapons and aircraft to Sudan, Reuters reports, according to a former top Pakistani air force official and multiple sources familiar with the matter. The agreement is expected to provide a major boost to Sudan’s army, which has been engaged in a fierce struggle
- [Elon Musk’s xAI Restricts Grok Image Generation Amid Sexualized AI Backlash](https://slguardian.org/elon-musks-xai-restricts-grok-image-generation-amid-sexualized-ai-backlash/) - Elon Musk’s AI startup xAI has limited the image generation functionality of its Grok chatbot on social media platform X to paying subscribers, following a surge of criticism over the tool’s use in creating sexualized content, Reuters reports. The restriction comes after widespread concern that the chatbot was being used to produce images of women
- [South Korea’s Ex-President Faces Possible Life Sentence Over 2024 Martial Law Attempt](https://slguardian.org/south-koreas-ex-president-faces-possible-life-sentence-over-2024-martial-law-attempt/) - South Korea’s special prosecutor is expected to make a sentencing request for former President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges of insurrection, Reuters reports, following a brief but controversial attempt to impose martial law in 2024. The trial’s final session convened on Friday at Seoul Central District Court, capping more than a year of political upheaval
- [Japan’s Prime Minister Takaichi Weighs Snap Election Amid Rising Tensions with China](https://slguardian.org/japans-prime-minister-takaichi-weighs-snap-election-amid-rising-tensions-with-china/) - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is reportedly considering calling a snap parliamentary election in the first half of February, the Yomiuri newspaper reported on Friday, citing government sources. The early election would allow Japan’s first female prime minister to leverage her strong approval ratings since taking office in October. Takaichi has gained support from right-wing
- [Hundreds of Thousands Join Philippines’ Black Nazarene Procession, Critics Target Corruption](https://slguardian.org/hundreds-of-thousands-join-philippines-black-nazarene-procession-critics-target-corruption/) - Hundreds of thousands of Filipino devotees flooded the streets of Manila on Friday to participate in the annual procession of the Black Nazarene, one of the world’s largest displays of Catholic faith. This year’s event also served as a platform to voice criticism of corrupt officials in the Philippines, a nation still grappling with a
- [Iranian Hack Turns Leaked Israeli Contacts Into Intelligence Windfall](https://slguardian.org/iranian-hack-turns-leaked-israeli-contacts-into-intelligence-windfall/) - An Iranian-backed hacking operation that breached the phones and messaging accounts of senior Israeli political figures has exposed what security experts describe as an intelligence gold mine, raising alarm over the vulnerability of personal devices used by those at the heart of government. According to a detailed investigation by Haaretz, the leaks go far beyond
- [Spain Arrests Former Venezuelan Intelligence Officer in Qatar Over Major PDVSA Fraud Case](https://slguardian.org/spain-arrests-former-venezuelan-intelligence-officer-in-qatar-over-major-pdvsa-fraud-case/) - Spanish judicial authorities have secured the arrest in Qatar of Said Aurelio Cabrera Abraham, a former Venezuelan military counterintelligence officer accused of orchestrating complex money-laundering schemes linked to Venezuela’s state oil company PDVSA. According to reporting by El País, Cabrera was detained by Qatari police on December 9 at the request of Spain’s National Court,
- [Sri Lanka’s Wakf Board on Trial](https://slguardian.org/sri-lankas-wakf-board-on-trial/) - Public institutions in Sri Lanka operate within clearly defined legal frameworks. When matters concerning such institutions enter the public domain, it is essential that discussion is informed, accurate, and grounded in law. Recent public commentary relating to the Wakf Board of Sri Lanka has highlighted the importance of distinguishing between legitimate public scrutiny and misunderstandings
- [Bangladesh’s Prisons of Fear](https://slguardian.org/bangladeshs-prisons-of-fear/) - History has shown, repeatedly, that tyranny rarely arrives with spectacle. It does not announce itself with fanfare or force its way in overnight. It creeps in quietly—through decrees, enforced silence, and the steady normalisation of cruelty. When prisons stop functioning as institutions of law and become sites of systematic dehumanisation, a society crosses into moral
- [Criminal Liability of Humanoids in Airports and Aircraft](https://slguardian.org/criminal-liability-of-humanoids-in-airports-and-aircraft/) - The law has always advanced in uneasy tandem with technology, often trailing it, sometimes resisting it, but ultimately reshaping itself in response to what society chooses to deploy in the real world. Few developments test the elasticity of legal reasoning more acutely than the emergence of humanoid systems comprised of things that look and move
- [Khamenei Warns Trump to ‘Mind Your Own Business’ After Tehran Unrest](https://slguardian.org/khamenei-warns-trump-to-mind-your-own-business-after-tehran-unrest/) - Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused counter-revolutionary forces of orchestrating violent unrest in Tehran and warned U.S. President Donald Trump to stay out of Iran’s affairs, following a night of disturbances that led to widespread property damage in the capital. In a statement addressing the events, Khamenei said that gatherings took place across several
- [President Petro Says Trump Floated Military Action Against Colombia](https://slguardian.org/president-petro-says-trump-floated-military-action-against-colombia/) - Colombian President Gustavo Petro has said that Donald Trump told him directly he was considering “doing bad things in Colombia,” including a possible military operation, an allegation that underscores a period of acute tension between Bogotá and Washington. In an interview with El País, Petro said he genuinely feared that he could be captured in
- [Rio Tinto and Glencore in Early Merger Talks That Could Reshape Global Mining](https://slguardian.org/rio-tinto-and-glencore-in-early-merger-talks-that-could-reshape-global-mining/) - Rio Tinto has confirmed it is in early-stage talks to acquire Glencore, a move that could create the world’s largest mining company with a combined market value approaching $207 billion, the companies said. The discussions underscore an intensifying race among global miners to scale up their portfolios, particularly in metals such as copper that are
- [EU to Spare Big Tech From Tough New Rules in Digital Networks Overhaul](https://slguardian.org/eu-to-spare-big-tech-from-tough-new-rules-in-digital-networks-overhaul/) - Europe’s largest technology companies are set to avoid heavy-handed regulation under a major overhaul of the European Union’s digital rules, despite lobbying from telecoms firms for stricter oversight, according to people with direct knowledge of the matter cited by Reuters. Alphabet’s Google, Meta Platforms, Netflix, Microsoft and Amazon will not be subject to binding obligations
- [AI-Written Wedding Vows Leave Dutch Couple Legally Unmarried](https://slguardian.org/ai-written-wedding-vows-leave-dutch-couple-legally-unmarried/) - A Dutch couple who believed they were legally married for more than a year have discovered that their union is invalid after a court ruled that their wedding ceremony failed to meet statutory requirements because part of it was written using ChatGPT. The couple married in April last year in a ceremony led by a
- [China’s Military Advances Threaten Western Air Supremacy in the Pacific](https://slguardian.org/chinas-military-advances-threaten-western-air-supremacy-in-the-pacific/) - Western air superiority in the Pacific may no longer be assured as China rapidly expands its military capabilities, according to a new report by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). The study describes Beijing’s development of stealth jets and long-range precision missiles over the past five years as “astonishing,” suggesting the People’s Liberation Army (PLA)
- [Punjab’s Killing Fields](https://slguardian.org/punjabs-killing-fields/) - In just the first week of 2026, Punjab recorded four consecutive targeted killings, reflecting both continuity and escalation in the state's entrenched patterns of complex violence, and exposing serious deficiencies in the law-and-order framework. The assailants' evident impunity underscores the rising audacity of transnational organized crime and gangster networks interlinked with pro-Khalistan extremist elements, narcotics
- [Trump Administration Houses Migrant Teens in Pennsylvania Facility with Abuse History](https://slguardian.org/trump-administration-houses-migrant-teens-in-pennsylvania-facility-with-abuse-history/) - The Trump administration has been sending some unaccompanied migrant teens to a secure juvenile detention center in southeast Pennsylvania that has a long-documented history of abuse, according to a Washington Post investigation. The facility, operated by Abraxas Alliance in Morgantown, recently received $9 million from the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to hold up to
- [UK Embassy Declined Hugo Chávez’s Appeals During 2002 Coup](https://slguardian.org/uk-embassy-declined-hugo-chavezs-appeals-during-2002-coup/) - Britain’s embassy in Caracas refused repeated pleas for help from Venezuela’s ousted president Hugo Chávez during the April 2002 coup that briefly removed him from power, according to newly released documents from UK Declassified. The files, obtained through a Freedom of Information request to the UK Foreign Office, reveal London’s cautious stance as Caracas descended
- [US Considers Cash Incentives to Win Greenland from Denmark](https://slguardian.org/us-considers-cash-incentives-to-win-greenland-from-denmark/) - US officials are reportedly exploring the possibility of offering Greenlanders lump sum cash payments to encourage the territory to break away from Denmark and potentially align more closely with the United States, according to sources cited by Reuters. While the exact amounts under consideration remain unclear, some discussions reportedly include payments ranging from $10,000 to
- [Deadly Protests Grip Iran as President Promises Crackdown on Price Gouging](https://slguardian.org/deadly-protests-grip-iran-as-president-promises-crackdown-on-price-gouging/) - Iranian President Pezeshkian vowed a decisive crackdown on price gouging and hoarding as nationwide protests entered their 12th day, following the reported death of a policeman during unrest near Tehran. The president, considered a relative moderate, pledged that citizens “should not feel any shortage in terms of goods’ supply and distribution” in an effort to
- [Bangladesh Expands Visa Restrictions on Indian Nationals](https://slguardian.org/bangladesh-expands-visa-restrictions-on-indian-nationals/) - Bangladesh has further tightened visa issuance for Indian nationals, extending the curbs to its deputy high commissions in Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the measures Wednesday night, which came into effect Thursday, suspending all visa categories except business and employment visas. Under the latest restrictions, consular and visa services at
- [India Set to Ease Restrictions on Chinese Firms for Government Contracts](https://slguardian.org/india-set-to-ease-restrictions-on-chinese-firms-for-government-contracts/) - India is planning to lift restrictions on Chinese companies bidding for government contracts, marking a significant shift in the economic and diplomatic relationship between the two Asian powers, Reuters reported Thursday. The measures, introduced in 2020 following a border skirmish, required additional clearances for companies from neighboring countries, effectively targeting Chinese firms. The move is
- [Israel Launches App to Streamline Rehabilitation for Wounded Personnel](https://slguardian.org/israel-launches-app-to-streamline-rehabilitation-for-wounded-personnel/) - Israel’s Ministry of Defense has unveiled a new mobile application designed to simplify access to rehabilitation services for wounded personnel, including those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, mental health conditions, or head injuries. Developed by the agency’s Rehabilitation Division, the app, named “Shikum.Me,” allows eligible users to utilize their annual treatment allocation through a built-in
- [French Farmers Block Paris to Protest EU-Mercosur Trade Deal](https://slguardian.org/french-farmers-block-paris-to-protest-eu-mercosur-trade-deal/) - Dozens of French farmers brought central Paris to a standstill on Thursday, blockading key routes and parking tractors along the Seine in protest against a proposed European Union trade agreement with South American nations. The demonstrations, organized by the Coordination Rurale union, also voiced frustration over the government’s handling of a recent outbreak of lumpy
- [Germany and India Near $8 Billion Submarine Partnership](https://slguardian.org/germany-and-india-near-8-billion-submarine-partnership/) - Germany and India are moving forward on discussions for a potential $8-billion defense program, aiming to build six German-designed conventional submarines for the Indian Navy. The talks are expected to take center stage during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s two-day visit to New Delhi in mid-January, where defense cooperation will be a core topic. The Indian
- [Finland Overtakes Spain as EU’s Highest Unemployment Nation](https://slguardian.org/finland-overtakes-spain-as-eus-highest-unemployment-nation/) - Spain’s long-standing record as the European Union country with the highest unemployment rate has finally been eclipsed. In November 2025, Finland’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 10.6%, surpassing Spain’s 10.4%, according to data released Thursday by Eurostat. Spain had held the top spot for 39 consecutive months, a streak reflecting persistent labor market challenges,
- [Madonna Becomes the Unlikely Face of Dolce & Gabbana’s Sensual New Fragrance Campaign](https://slguardian.org/madonna-becomes-the-unlikely-face-of-dolce-gabbanas-sensual-new-fragrance-campaign/) - Dolce & Gabbana has made an unexpected choice for the face of its latest fragrance, The One: 67-year-old pop superstar Madonna, paired with 43-year-old Cuban actor Alberto Guerra. The campaign, directed by Mert Alas, positions the duo in a highly sensual narrative, a move that is unusual both for the age of the lead and
- [Megyn Kelly Warns U.S. Against Playing Global “Cop”](https://slguardian.org/megyn-kelly-warns-u-s-against-playing-global-cop/) - In a recent interview on Tucker Carlson’s show, journalist Megyn Kelly delivered a stark warning about the United States’ approach to foreign policy, emphasizing that the country cannot act as the world’s enforcer without facing consequences. Kelly criticized the idea of threatening military action against nations such as Cuba, Colombia, Iran, or even Greenland, arguing
- [Greenland’s Mineral Boom May Be More Mirage Than Treasure](https://slguardian.org/greenlands-mineral-boom-may-be-more-mirage-than-treasure/) - Despite headlines touting Greenland as a frontier for rare minerals and strategic resources, experts warn that the realities of Arctic mining are far more brutal than often acknowledged. From extreme cold to logistical nightmares, extracting Greenland’s mineral wealth may be less lucrative than it appears. Geological conditions present a major hurdle. The permafrost—frozen ground that
- [U.S. Oil Giants Demand Guarantees Before Betting Billions on Venezuela](https://slguardian.org/u-s-oil-giants-demand-guarantees-before-betting-billions-on-venezuela/) - U.S. oil companies are signaling serious hesitation about pouring billions of dollars into Venezuela’s beleaguered oil sector without firm assurances from the federal government, even as President Donald Trump intensifies efforts to reshape global energy markets. Executives from major energy firms, including Chevron, ExxonMobil, and ConocoPhillips, have told U.S. officials that they require “serious guarantees”
- [Fatal ICE Shooting in Minneapolis Sparks Nationwide Protests](https://slguardian.org/fatal-ice-shooting-in-minneapolis-sparks-nationwide-protests/) - The fatal shooting of a 37-year-old Minnesota mother by a U.S. immigration agent has shaken Minneapolis and reverberated across the country, prompting protests in multiple cities and intensifying political tensions. Reuters reports that Renee Nicole Good was killed on Wednesday in her car while federal immigration officers conducted what the Department of Homeland Security described
- [Trump Administration Drops Tighter Alcohol Limits, Citing Industry-Favored Study](https://slguardian.org/trump-administration-drops-tighter-alcohol-limits-citing-industry-favored-study/) - The Trump administration has reversed a draft proposal that would have halved the recommended alcohol limit for men, Reuters reports, instead issuing new guidance that offers no specific daily limits and simply advises Americans to “drink less” for better health. The change ends a 35-year-old recommendation that men consume no more than two drinks per
- [German President Warns U.S. Policy Threatens Global Order](https://slguardian.org/german-president-warns-u-s-policy-threatens-global-order/) - German President Frank‑Walter Steinmeier has issued unusually strong criticism of U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump, warning that the international rules-based order risks disintegrating into a “den of robbers” where powerful nations take what they want, Reuters reports. Speaking at a symposium late Wednesday, Steinmeier said the erosion of global norms and democratic principles
- [Rabies Scandal Rocks India](https://slguardian.org/rabies-scandal-rocks-india/) - Global health authorities have issued warnings about counterfeit rabies vaccines circulating in India. The Australian Health Department recently urged its citizens to check if they had received the Abhayrab vaccine, which is manufactured by the Indian Human Biologicals Institute (IHI) under Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL). Similar advisories followed from the UK and the US Centers
- [Balochistan’s War on Youth and Women](https://slguardian.org/balochistans-war-on-youth-and-women/) - The Balochistan issue has reached a stage where violence is no longer confined to its geographical location or the type of weapon used. It is increasingly taking place in moral, emotional, and digital realms. The evolution of the conflict has witnessed one of the most concerning developments—the deliberate involvement of women and children in militant
- [Sri Lanka’s Terror Laws Don’t Stop Terror — They Create It](https://slguardian.org/sri-lankas-terror-laws-dont-stop-terror-they-create-it/) - When I recently criticized Sri Lanka's proposed Prevention of State Terrorism Bill (PSTA), several well-meaning individuals close to the National People's Power (NPP) urged me to reconsider my stance. I appreciate their approach, as it reflects the spirit of dialogue essential to democracy. However, after careful reflection, I remain persuaded that both the existing Prevention
- [Sri Lanka’s Education Scandal: A Prime Minister Cannot Play the Victim](https://slguardian.org/sri-lankas-education-scandal-a-prime-minister-cannot-play-the-victim/) - by Durga Velayudham This is not a trivial misstep. It is a criminal irresponsibility to toy with children and their futures. These political games are played at the expense of the poor. What parades itself as a defence of principle has, in recent days, revealed a deeper malaise in Sri Lanka’s public discourse: a reflexive
- [Sri Lanka Faces Fresh Corruption Storm Over Coal Tender for Key Power Plant](https://slguardian.org/sri-lanka-faces-fresh-corruption-storm-over-coal-tender-for-key-power-plant/) - Questions over alleged corruption in Sri Lanka’s energy sector intensified in Parliament on Tuesday as opposition lawmakers accused the government of irregularities in the awarding of a major coal supply tender for the Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant, the country’s largest source of electricity generation. The controversy centers on claims that tender conditions were altered to
- [Indian Army Chief’s Visit Signals Deepening Military Ties With Sri Lanka](https://slguardian.org/indian-army-chiefs-visit-signals-deepening-military-ties-with-sri-lanka/) - Sri Lanka and India took another step toward strengthening their long-standing military partnership this week with an official visit by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army, highlighting growing cooperation in defence, training, and humanitarian support. General Dwivedi arrived in Sri Lanka on 7 January and was formally welcomed by
- [Sri Lanka Appoints Veteran Ports Strategist as Presidential Advisor on Maritime and Logistics](https://slguardian.org/sri-lanka-appoints-veteran-ports-strategist-as-presidential-advisor-on-maritime-and-logistics/) - Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Dr. Mahinda Parakrama Dissanayake as Presidential Advisor on Maritime, Ports and Logistics, strengthening the government’s focus on revitalising one of the country’s most strategically important economic sectors. The appointment was made with immediate effect under Article 41(1) of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri
- [Sri Lanka’s PM Admits “Fatal” Textbook Error Over Dubious Website](https://slguardian.org/sri-lankas-pm-admits-fatal-textbook-error-over-dubious-website/) - Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya admitted to senior Buddhist leaders that a serious error occurred in the country’s new Grade 6 English module, which included a reference to a questionable website. The Prime Minister met with the Mahanayake Theros of the Malwathu and Asgiri Ubhaya Maha Viharaya during visits to both prominent monasteries to
- [Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Eye $2 Billion JF-17 Fighter Jet Deal Amid Defence Pact](https://slguardian.org/pakistan-and-saudi-arabia-eye-2-billion-jf-17-fighter-jet-deal-amid-defence-pact/) - Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are reportedly negotiating the conversion of approximately $2 billion in Saudi loans into a potential deal for JF-17 fighter jets, according to two Pakistani sources cited by Reuters. The discussions mark a significant step in operationalizing defence cooperation between the allies, just months after signing a mutual defence pact last year.
- [Major Offshore Vietnam Discovery Could Be ASEAN’s Largest in 20 Years](https://slguardian.org/major-offshore-vietnam-discovery-could-be-aseans-largest-in-20-years/) - US-based energy company Murphy Oil has announced that recoverable resources at its offshore discovery in Vietnam are significantly larger than previously estimated, a development that could mark the biggest oil and gas find in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region in nearly two decades. The company said updated assessments of the primary reservoir
- [US-Blacklisted AI Unicorn Zhipu Raises $558m in Hong Kong Listing](https://slguardian.org/us-blacklisted-ai-unicorn-zhipu-raises-558m-in-hong-kong-listing/) - Chinese artificial intelligence company Zhipu AI made a strong debut on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Thursday, raising $558 million in one of the city’s first major technology listings of 2026, as investor enthusiasm for AI stocks continued to build across Asian markets. Shares of Knowledge Atlas Technology, known as Zhipu AI, rose 3.3
- [Hundreds Detained Over Sri Lanka Easter Attacks Released Without Charge](https://slguardian.org/hundreds-detained-over-sri-lanka-easter-attacks-released-without-charge/) - Sri Lanka’s government has confirmed that 418 people detained in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks have been released without charge, as lawmakers renewed scrutiny of the long-running investigations nearly seven years after the bombings. Speaking in Parliament on 7 January, Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara said that a total of 540
- [Why Washington still decides Latin America’s future](https://slguardian.org/why-washington-still-decides-latin-americas-future/) - The recent U.S. military operation against Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro have sparked sharp criticism and condemnation. Maduro now awaits trial in New York City. Once again, it is evident that international politics is not guided by international law but by the interests of great powers and their alliances. Some critics, even
- [Who Really Rules Venezuela?](https://slguardian.org/who-really-rules-venezuela/) - On the early morning of January 3, the United States government launched a massive attack on Caracas, Venezuela, and three of the country’s states. Roughly 150 aircraft swarmed the skies, bombing with exceptional ferocity. Amongst these aircraft were EA-18 Growlers equipped with the most advanced electronic warfare systems, such as the Next General Jammers, as
- [Trump’s £1.5 Trillion Defence Plan Triggers Fresh Debt Warnings](https://slguardian.org/trumps-1-5-trillion-defence-plan-triggers-fresh-debt-warnings/) - President Donald Trump’s proposal to raise the United States defence budget to an unprecedented $1.5 trillion in the 2027 financial year would add an estimated $5.8 trillion to the national debt over the next decade, according to a new assessment by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. The proposal was outlined in a statement
- [How America’s Oil Wars Could Trigger a Hemisphere-Wide Backlash](https://slguardian.org/how-americas-oil-wars-could-trigger-a-hemisphere-wide-backlash/) - In a few hours, I fly to Latin America. This trip has been planned for several months by an Emmy-nominated filmmaker. He and his team are shooting a documentary about the US’s economic hit man (EHM) strategy and my role in developing it. Last week, the film and this trip took on a significance we
- [New Study Warns of Catastrophic Costs for China if Taiwan Conflict Escalates](https://slguardian.org/new-study-warns-of-catastrophic-costs-for-china-if-taiwan-conflict-escalates/) - A new report from the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) warns that any military attempt by China to seize Taiwan could impose devastating costs on Beijing, challenging assumptions in many think tank analyses that focus primarily on U.S. shortcomings in defending the island. The study, titled “If China Attacks Taiwan: The Consequences
- [China’s Mega-Embassy Plan in London Sparks National Security Alarm](https://slguardian.org/chinas-mega-embassy-plan-in-london-sparks-national-security-alarm/) - Rights organisations led by Free Tibet, alongside several allied groups, have intensified their campaign against China’s proposed mega-embassy at Royal Mint Court in London, warning that the project poses serious national security risks and heightens threats for already vulnerable exile communities. The UK government is expected to announce its decision on January 20, and campaigners
- [JPMorgan Cuts All Ties With Proxy Advisers, Launches AI Voting Platform](https://slguardian.org/jpmorgan-cuts-all-ties-with-proxy-advisers-launches-ai-voting-platform/) - JPMorgan Chase has announced that its asset-management unit will sever all ties with external proxy advisory firms, a move described by The Wall Street Journal as unprecedented among major investment firms. Effective immediately, the bank will use an internal, artificial-intelligence-powered platform named Proxy IQ to manage votes on U.S. company shares. The system will analyze
- [Marco Rubio: Trump’s Power Broker in Post-Maduro Venezuela](https://slguardian.org/marco-rubio-trumps-power-broker-in-post-maduro-venezuela/) - Marco Rubio has become the unmistakable face of Washington’s intervention in Venezuela following the fall of Nicolás Maduro. In official photographs released by the White House during the operation, the US secretary of state appears constantly at President Donald Trump’s side, sternly focused on screens tracking events in Caracas. According to reporting by El Pais,
- [US Consortium Targets $22 Billion Lukoil Overseas Portfolio Amid Sanctions](https://slguardian.org/us-consortium-targets-22-billion-lukoil-overseas-portfolio-amid-sanctions/) - Two major US players, Chevron and Quantum Capital Group, are preparing to acquire the overseas holdings of Russian oil giant Lukoil, according to reporting by the Financial Times. The move comes as part of Washington’s broader effort to exert pressure on Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine, with Lukoil forced to divest $22 billion worth
- [Father Turns Birthday Celebration into Deadly Fire in Sri Lanka](https://slguardian.org/father-turns-birthday-celebration-into-deadly-fire-in-sri-lanka/) - In a shocking and tragic incident in Sri Lanka’s Anuradhapura District, a father allegedly set fire to his family home during his daughter’s birthday celebration, killing four people and leaving several others critically injured. The tragedy occurred in the Pandikarameduwa area of Galenbindunuwewa, drawing national attention to the devastating consequences of domestic violence and unresolved
- [“I Was Only Selling It”: Sri Lanka Kasippu Tragedy Claims Six Lives](https://slguardian.org/i-was-only-selling-it-sri-lanka-kasippu-tragedy-claims-six-lives/) - Six people have died and several others are hospitalized following a mass poisoning incident in the Waikkal area of Wennappuwa, Sri Lanka, authorities confirmed. The tragedy, which came to light on January 6, has sparked national concern over the continued dangers of illicit alcohol in the country. The victims include a 53-year-old resident of Pothanegama,
- [Manufacturing Victimhood](https://slguardian.org/manufacturing-victimhood/) - After the dethroning of Sheikh Hasina Wajid, the people of Bangladesh pushed for greater autonomy and sought to distance themselves from India’s direct influence. In response, groups in the United States associated with Hindutva began alleging that the Muhammad Yunus-led government had been oppressing Hindus and presiding over a “genocide.” However, critics argue that this
- [AI’s Debt Addiction](https://slguardian.org/ais-debt-addiction/) - Editor’s Note: This article draws on a detailed analytical bulletin issued by the Bank for International Settlements and authored by Iñaki Aldasoro, Sebastian Doerr and Daniel Rees, which examines how the global artificial intelligence investment boom is reshaping macroeconomic dynamics, corporate financing structures and credit markets. The bulletin explores the accelerating shift from internally generated
- [Polymarket Sparks Outrage by Withholding $10.5M in Venezuela ‘Invasion’ Bets](https://slguardian.org/polymarket-sparks-outrage-by-withholding-10-5m-in-venezuela-invasion-bets/) - The online betting platform Polymarket has ignited a firestorm of criticism by refusing to pay out more than $10.5 million in wagers tied to whether the United States would “invade” Venezuela following a dramatic military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Polymarket argued that the events did not meet the
- [NATO’s Moral Fault Line: Could the U.S. Invade a Member’s Territory?](https://slguardian.org/natos-moral-fault-line-could-the-u-s-invade-a-members-territory/) - Our alliance with our NATO partners has been a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy for nearly 70 years, in good times and in bad and through presidents of both parties because the United States has a fundamental interest in Europe's stability and security. ~ Barack Obama The Treaty The North Atlantic Treaty of 4 April
- [Aden Power Shift Ends Southern Council’s Bid for Independence](https://slguardian.org/aden-power-shift-ends-southern-councils-bid-for-independence/) - Control of Yemen’s interim capital Aden has shifted decisively to Saudi-backed forces, marking a dramatic reversal for the Southern Transitional Council (STC) just days after it renewed calls for southern independence. The turning point came after Abdulrahman Abu Zara’a Al-Mahrami, a powerful militia leader and vice president of the STC, defected to the Saudi-supported Presidential
- [Cilia Flores, the Power Behind Maduro, Faces US Justice After Venezuela’s Collapse](https://slguardian.org/cilia-flores-the-power-behind-maduro-faces-us-justice-after-venezuelas-collapse/) - As Nicolás Maduro awaits trial in the United States, attention is turning to the woman many Venezuelans believe truly shaped the regime’s inner workings: his wife, Cilia Flores. According to a profile published by the Times UK, Flores, 69, has for decades exercised formidable influence behind the scenes, earning a reputation as the power broker
- [Power Struggles Erupt Inside Chavismo as Venezuela’s New Leadership Takes Shape](https://slguardian.org/power-struggles-erupt-inside-chavismo-as-venezuelas-new-leadership-takes-shape/) - The fall of Nicolás Maduro has not brought unity to Venezuela’s ruling movement but instead exposed sharp internal fractures, as rival Chavista factions compete for power in the country’s uncertain transition. According to reporting by El Pais, the inauguration of Delcy Rodríguez as interim president and her brother Jorge Rodríguez as head of the National
- [Maduro’s Son Emerges as a Power Broker in Venezuela’s Uncertain New Era](https://slguardian.org/maduros-son-emerges-as-a-power-broker-in-venezuelas-uncertain-new-era/) - As Venezuela navigates the aftermath of Nicolás Maduro’s dramatic capture by US special forces, a new figure has moved decisively into the foreground of the country’s power structure: his only son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra. According to reporting by El Pais, the 35-year-old, known familiarly as “Nicolasito,” is inheriting a share of his father’s political influence
- [Invisible Billionaire’s Firm Posts 73% Gain Amid Market Turmoil](https://slguardian.org/invisible-billionaires-firm-posts-73-gain-amid-market-turmoil/) - Michael Platt’s private investment firm, BlueCrest Capital Management, delivered a striking gain of about 73 per cent last year, capitalising on market volatility and comfortably outperforming major stock indices. The result reinforces the remarkable profitability of the firm since it returned outside investors’ money and repositioned itself as a family office nearly a decade ago.
- [Warner Bros Board Rejects $108bn Paramount Skydance Bid](https://slguardian.org/warner-bros-board-rejects-108bn-paramount-skydance-bid/) - The board of Warner Bros Discovery has rejected a $108 billion hostile takeover bid from Paramount Skydance, dismissing the proposal as inadequate and excessively risky despite a personal financing guarantee from Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison. The decision reinforces Warner’s commitment to a previously agreed deal with Netflix, which the board says offers superior value and
- [UK and France Plan Limited Troop Deployment to Ukraine After Peace Deal](https://slguardian.org/uk-and-france-plan-limited-troop-deployment-to-ukraine-after-peace-deal/) - Britain and France are preparing plans to deploy up to 15,000 troops to Ukraine in the event of a peace agreement, a figure significantly lower than earlier expectations and far below the numbers once envisaged by military planners. The scaled-back proposal reflects concerns within the UK Ministry of Defence about the size and readiness of
- [The Strange Logic of Trump’s "Peace"](https://slguardian.org/the-strange-logic-of-trumps-peace/) - If there were an award for Most Unfulfilled Personal Wish of the Year, Donald Trump would be the runaway winner. His desire to receive the Nobel Peace Prize has been so overt – and his actions so clearly aligned with that goal – that the disappointment is palpable. Eight wars stopped (by his own count), a
- [US Forces Seize Russian-Flagged Oil Tanker After Atlantic Chase](https://slguardian.org/us-forces-seize-russian-flagged-oil-tanker-after-atlantic-chase/) - The United States has seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in international waters of the North Atlantic after a dramatic, weeks-long pursuit that stretched from the Caribbean to waters northwest of Scotland, escalating already fraught tensions between Washington and Moscow. The vessel, now known as the Marinera and formerly registered as Bella 1, was taken into
- [Japanese Official Loses Phone With Top Nuclear Secrets While in China](https://slguardian.org/japanese-nuclear-watchdog-investigates-loss-of-work-phone-in-china/) - Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority is investigating the loss of a work-issued smartphone containing highly sensitive personal information after an employee misplaced the device during a private trip to China last year, according to officials and sources familiar with the matter. The employee, who works for the Secretariat of the Nuclear Regulation Authority, was visiting Shanghai
- [The Spy Was My Mother](https://slguardian.org/the-spy-was-my-mother/) - Editor’s Note: The excerpt that follows is adapted from Family of Spies: A World War II Story of Nazi Espionage, Betrayal, and the Secret History Behind Pearl Harbor, by the author, published by Celadon Books. In December 1944, Friedel finally received the news she had been waiting for. Along with her children, Hans and Ruth,
- [Nepal to Test Power Between Gen Z and the Old Guard](https://slguardian.org/nepal-to-test-power-between-gen-z-and-the-old-guard/) - Nepal is moving full steam ahead towards the March 5, elections, which are a referendum on the performance of traditional parties and the key outcome of Nepal’s fifth revolution (Jan Andolan) last September. Elections are due a month earlier in Bangladesh after its fourth revolution, where violence is manifest between the old and new guard.
- [South Korea Seeks China’s Help to Engage North Korea, Signals Thaw in Ties](https://slguardian.org/south-korea-seeks-chinas-help-to-engage-north-korea-signals-thaw-in-ties/) - Subheading: President Lee Jae Myung urges Xi Jinping to mediate on the Korean Peninsula amid efforts to restore trust and ease regional tensions. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung announced on Wednesday that significant progress has been made in rebuilding trust with Beijing, as he called on Chinese President Xi Jinping to assist in mediating
- [Yemen’s Southern Separatist Leader Flees Amid Gulf Coalition Rift](https://slguardian.org/yemens-southern-separatist-leader-flees-amid-gulf-coalition-rift/) - Aidarous al-Zubaidi, leader of Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council (STC), failed to board a flight to Riyadh on Wednesday and fled to an unknown location, the Saudi-backed coalition in Yemen reported, deepening divisions within the Gulf-backed alliance. The incident comes amid ongoing efforts to end fighting that erupted last month between the STC, supported by the
- [The Patriot They Hunt: EPDP’s Shadow War Against the LTTE](https://slguardian.org/the-patriot-they-hunt-epdps-shadow-war-against-the-ltte/) - The Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP) played a significant role in Sri Lanka’s overall campaign against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The EPDP threw its weight behind the war effort soon after the LTTE resumed hostilities in June 1990 after India withdrew forces deployed in terms of the Indo-Lanka Peace Accord signed on
- [Sri Lanka’s Minister Confirms Sarah Jasmine Is Alive](https://slguardian.org/sri-lankas-minister-confirms-sarah-jasmine-is-alive/) - Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala confirmed in the Sri Lankan Parliament today that investigations have revealed Sarah Jasmine is not dead, though authorities have not been able to verify whether she is currently residing in India. Wijepala noted that officials are considering issuing an open warrant against her, signaling that legal action may be pursued
- [Sri Lanka on Alert as Bay of Bengal Low-Pressure System Threatens Heavy Rains and Strong Winds](https://slguardian.org/sri-lanka-on-alert-as-bay-of-bengal-storm-approaches/) - Sri Lanka is bracing for adverse weather as a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal, currently located about 700 kilometers southeast of Batticaloa, is expected to approach the country’s eastern coast by tomorrow, the Department of Meteorology has warned. Officials caution that the system may intensify into a depression in the coming hours, potentially
- [India’s Army Chief’s Sri Lanka Visit Signals Rising Security Concerns and Strategic Assertiveness](https://slguardian.org/indias-army-chiefs-sri-lanka-visit-signals-rising-security-concerns-and-strategic-assertiveness/) - India’s Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, arrived in Sri Lanka this week on a two-day official visit, highlighting New Delhi’s growing defence engagement in the Indian Ocean region at a time of mounting security challenges. The visit underscores both symbolic goodwill and strategic calculation, as India navigates a complex security environment characterized
- [Trump’s Caribbean Endgame Inevitably Leads to Cuba](https://slguardian.org/trumps-caribbean-endgame-inevitably-leads-to-cuba/) - Days before US forces carried out the January 3, 2026 raid that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, geopolitical strategist George Friedman was already warning that Venezuela itself was not the central issue for Washington. In a discussion published by Geopolitical Futures, Friedman argued that while Maduro mattered, the true strategic concern
- [Russia Deploys Submarine to Shield Sanctioned Tanker as US Chase Escalates](https://slguardian.org/russia-deploys-submarine-to-shield-sanctioned-tanker-as-us-chase-escalates/) - Russia has dispatched a submarine and other naval assets to escort an empty, rusting oil tanker being pursued by the United States, turning an obscure maritime enforcement case into a new flashpoint in already strained U.S.-Russia relations. According to a U.S. official cited by The Wall Street Journal, the move underscores Moscow’s concern over Washington’s
- [US Softens Cartel Claims as Maduro Faces Court After Deadly Caracas Raid](https://slguardian.org/us-softens-cartel-claims-as-maduro-faces-court-after-deadly-caracas-raid/) - The US Justice Department has quietly removed language identifying Nicolás Maduro as the leader of the so-called Cartel of the Suns, softening one of its most sweeping accusations against the Venezuelan president while keeping core drug trafficking charges intact. The change appears in a revised indictment filed shortly after US forces captured Maduro and his
- [From the Day One I Worked for American Interests, Julie Chung Says in Farewell Note](https://slguardian.org/from-the-day-one-i-worked-for-american-interests-julie-chung-says-in-farewell-note/) - “From day one, my focus has been to advance America’s interests.. and we’ve built a relationship that delivers results for the American people and supports a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific,” U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung said as she confirmed she will depart Colombo on January 16, concluding almost four years as Washington’s
- [U.S. Expands Visa Bond Program, Foreign Travelers Face $15,000 Deposit](https://slguardian.org/u-s-expands-visa-bond-program-foreign-travelers-face-15000-deposit/) - The U.S. State Department has expanded its visa bond pilot program, requiring travelers from seven additional countries to pay up to $15,000 in reimbursable deposits when applying for visitor visas. Effective January 1, nationals of Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia, and Turkmenistan are now subject to the policy, which brings the
- [Over 2 Million Epstein Documents Still Await Release, US Justice Department Tells Judge](https://slguardian.org/over-2-million-epstein-documents-still-await-release-us-justice-department-tells-judge/) - More than 2 million documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein remain under review, Justice Department officials told a federal judge on Monday, offering the most detailed estimate yet of the extensive file still awaiting public release. The disclosure comes as federal authorities work to comply with a new law mandating the full release
- [Nestlé Recalls Infant Formula Over Toxin Fears](https://slguardian.org/nestle-recalls-infant-formula-over-toxin-fears/) - Nestlé has announced a recall of specific batches of its SMA infant formula and follow-on formula after identifying the potential presence of a toxin that could cause gastrointestinal illness, prompting warnings from both the company and UK food safety authorities. The food producer said late on Monday that the affected products may contain cereulide, a
- [Trump Warns GOP of Impeachment Risk Ahead of Midterms](https://slguardian.org/trump-warns-gop-of-impeachment-risk-ahead-of-midterms/) - U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Republican lawmakers that failure to retain control of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections could lead to his impeachment by Democrats, framing the vote as a direct test of his political survival as well as his policy agenda. Speaking on Tuesday at a retreat for House Republican lawmakers in
- [Cyberattack Batters JLR as Sales Slump Wipes Billions Off Revenue](https://slguardian.org/cyberattack-batters-jlr-as-sales-slump-wipes-billions-off-revenue/) - Jaguar Land Rover has suffered a sharp fall in sales after a cyberattack crippled production across its factories, a disruption that may have cost the company more than £3 billion in lost revenue over the past quarter, according to analysis reported by Times UK. The West Midlands-based carmaker said shipments collapsed after its operations were
- [Safety Blind Spot Exposed After Deadly Swiss Bar Fire](https://slguardian.org/safety-blind-spot-exposed-after-deadly-swiss-bar-fire/) - Local authorities in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana have acknowledged a serious breakdown in safety oversight after a fire at a bar-nightclub killed 40 people and injured 116, revealing that no safety inspection had been conducted at the venue since 2019. The admission has intensified scrutiny of both municipal regulators and the owners of
- [Buying Greenland Isn’t Crazy—It’s Dangerous](https://slguardian.org/buying-greenland-isnt-crazy-its-dangerous/) - The dramatic capture of Nicolás Maduro, whatever its final legal and political characterization may prove to be, has once again exposed the uneasy intersection between power, legality, and strategic narrative in contemporary international relations. It was against this backdrop of muscular assertion, thinly veiled as enforcement of international norms, that President Donald Trump’s renewed remarks
- [Peace Begins Next Door](https://slguardian.org/peace-begins-next-door/) - Peace doesn’t always fall apart because of distant rivals. Peace breaks down because neighbors stop talking. Borders are challenged, and trust chipped away. Small disagreements fester and become permanent. In a world full of global flash points, it’s often relationships between neighboring countries that quietly decide whether a region moves forward or stays stuck. That
- [Oil Slump Deepens as $50 Brent Comes Into View](https://slguardian.org/oil-slump-deepens-as-50-brent-comes-into-view/) - Oil prices are poised to extend their decline, with Brent crude potentially sliding to around $50 per barrel by the middle of this year as global supply continues to outpace demand, according to analysts at India’s SBI Research. The outlook underscores growing concerns that the market is entering a prolonged period of weakness driven by
- [Russia’s War Chest Swells to €1 Trillion Despite Sanctions](https://slguardian.org/russias-war-chest-swells-to-e1-trillion-despite-sanctions/) - Russia has generated an estimated 1 trillion euros in revenue from global fossil fuel sales since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, with income continuing to flow well into January 2026. The earnings have played a central role in sustaining the war effort, funding destruction in Ukraine and contributing to widespread
- [Yemen’s Houthis Warn U.S. Over Venezuela After Maduro Ouster](https://slguardian.org/yemens-houthis-warn-u-s-over-venezuela-after-maduro-ouster/) - A senior official from Yemen’s Ansar Allah movement has dismissed the prospect of international diplomacy restoring Venezuela’s ousted president, arguing that only direct pressure on U.S. interests could alter the situation. The comments come amid heightened tensions following Washington’s decisive actions against the Venezuelan government. Mohammed al-Farrah, a member of Ansar Allah’s political bureau, said
- [Telegram Responds to Sri Lanka Guardian on Russia Bond Sanctions Report](https://slguardian.org/telegram-responds-to-sri-lanka-guardian-on-russia-bond-sanctions-report/) - We have received a response from Telegram regarding a report published in Sri Lanka Guardian that claimed $500 million in Russian-linked bonds had been frozen due to sanctions, stating that the article does not accurately reflect the company’s financial position. According to the statement, Telegram said it is not dependent on Russia or Russian capital
- [India Steel Giants Face Antitrust Scrutiny Over Price Collusion](https://slguardian.org/india-steel-giants-face-antitrust-scrutiny-over-price-collusion/) - India’s competition regulator has found that leading steel producers, including Tata Steel, JSW Steel, state-run SAIL, and 25 other firms, breached antitrust laws by colluding on steel prices, according to a confidential order reviewed by Reuters. The findings, covering the period from 2015 to 2023, also hold 56 top executives—including JSW’s billionaire Managing Director Sajjan
- [US Strikes Venezuela as $38.4 Trillion Debt and $1 Trillion Annual Interest Loom](https://slguardian.org/us-strikes-venezuela-as-38-4-trillion-debt-and-1-trillion-annual-interest-loom/) - The U.S. forces carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela on Saturday, capturing President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. The move also signals U.S. intentions to exploit Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, which total an estimated 303 billion barrels, raising questions about the financial and strategic rationale behind the operation. The timing of the strike has
- [Trump Has ‘No Plan’ for Venezuela, Sources Tell](https://slguardian.org/trump-has-no-plan-for-venezuela-sources-tell/) - U.S. President Donald Trump currently has “no blueprint” for managing the aftermath of the Venezuelan crisis, according to sources cited by Telegraph UK. The sources said the president is handling the situation on a day-to-day basis and warned that anyone suggesting otherwise is “not being forthright.” The revelations come after the recent U.S. military operation
- [Israeli Foreign Minister Visits Somaliland](https://slguardian.org/israeli-foreign-minister-visits-somaliland/) - Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar visited Somaliland on Tuesday, marking the first high-level Israeli diplomatic trip to the self-declared republic since Israel officially recognised it as an independent state on December 27. The visit, confirmed by two sources to Reuters, signals a deepening of bilateral relations between the two governments, which have long been informally
- [The Law That Doesn’t Stop the War](https://slguardian.org/the-law-that-doesnt-stop-the-war/) - Editor's Note: Bob Bauer and Jack Goldsmith are among the most influential contemporary American legal scholars writing on executive power, constitutional structure, and the law of the presidency. Bauer, a Professor of Practice and Distinguished Scholar at New York University School of Law, served as White House Counsel to President Barack Obama from 2009 to
- [Telegram’s $500 Million Russian Bonds Frozen Amid Sanctions](https://slguardian.org/telegrams-500-million-russian-bonds-frozen-amid-sanctions/) - Telegram has had $500 million of its bonds in Russia frozen under western sanctions, revealing the company’s continued financial entanglement with its home country despite founder Pavel Durov’s efforts to sever ties, according to reporting by the Financial Times. The messaging app launched multiple bond offerings in recent years, including a $1.7 billion issuance in
- [Inside Story: Has Maduro’s VP Rodríguez and Qatar Secretly Betrayed Him?](https://slguardian.org/inside-story-has-maduros-vp-rodriguez-and-qatar-secretly-betrayed-him/) - The capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces last week has exposed a complex web of secret negotiations and shifting allegiances within the Venezuelan government, revealing that one of Maduro’s closest allies—Vice President Delcy Rodríguez—may have played a decisive role in facilitating his downfall. According to reporting by the Spanish newspaper El Mostrador,
- [Maduro Raid Exposes Cracks in Cuba’s Intelligence Shield](https://slguardian.org/maduro-raid-exposes-cracks-in-cubas-intelligence-shield/) - The U.S. capture of Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro has delivered a significant blow to Cuba’s intelligence services, long regarded as among the most effective in the developing world, according to reporting by the Wall Street Journal. The weekend operation not only ended Maduro’s rule but also exposed vulnerabilities in the Cuban security apparatus that had
- [Trump’s Venezuela Gamble Puts Oil and Insider Bets in Spotlight](https://slguardian.org/trumps-venezuela-gamble-puts-oil-and-insider-bets-in-spotlight/) - President Donald Trump delivered a cryptic warning to American oil executives weeks before U.S. forces moved to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: “Get ready.” According to reporting by the Wall Street Journal, the comment hinted at sweeping changes ahead for Venezuela, underscoring how central oil was to Trump’s high-stakes decision to intervene in the country.
- [Johor Bets Big on Revival as Forest City Gets Second Chance](https://slguardian.org/johor-bets-big-on-revival-as-forest-city-gets-second-chance/) - On a vast artificial island off Malaysia’s Johor state, scale models of gleaming high-rise towers still dominate a showroom the size of a football field, even as much of the surrounding land remains empty. Forest City, once pitched as “Malaysia’s Shenzhen,” is now being recast as a potential beneficiary of renewed cross-border momentum under the
- [Yemen Separatist Leader Heads to Saudi Arabia Amid Gulf Rift](https://slguardian.org/yemen-separatist-leader-heads-to-saudi-arabia-amid-gulf-rift/) - A delegation led by Aidarous al-Zubaidi, the leader of Yemen’s main separatist group, the Southern Transitional Council (STC), is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia soon, two sources told Reuters on Monday, raising hopes of progress toward ending clashes between the separatists and Yemen’s internationally recognised government. The fighting, which erupted early last month, has
- [Tokyo Tuna Auction Shattered by Record $3.2 Million Bid](https://slguardian.org/tokyo-tuna-auction-shattered-by-record-3-2-million-bid/) - A Japanese sushi restaurant operator paid a record 510 million yen ($3.24 million) for a single bluefin tuna on Monday, shattering all previous prices at Tokyo’s annual New Year tuna auction, according to Reuters. The sale took place at the Toyosu fish market and marked the most expensive tuna ever sold at the iconic event.
- [CIA Assessment Backed Maduro Loyalists as Path to Stability, Sources Say](https://slguardian.org/cia-assessment-backed-maduro-loyalists-as-path-to-stability-sources-say/) - A classified CIA assessment presented to U.S. President Donald Trump concluded that senior loyalists of Nicolás Maduro, including Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, were best positioned to maintain stability if Venezuela’s longtime leader lost power, according to two sources briefed on the matter. The findings were shared with Trump and a small circle of senior national
- [Nvidia Unleashes Next-Gen AI Chips as Competition Intensifies](https://slguardian.org/nvidia-unleashes-next-gen-ai-chips-as-competition-intensifies/) - Nvidia Chief Executive Jensen Huang said on Monday that the company’s next generation of chips is now in full production, promising a fivefold increase in artificial intelligence computing power compared with its previous offerings. Speaking at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Huang unveiled new details about the chips, which are set to arrive
- [China’s Oil Bet on Venezuela Faces a Reckoning After Maduro’s Ouster](https://slguardian.org/chinas-oil-bet-on-venezuela-faces-a-reckoning-after-maduros-ouster/) - For more than two decades, China and Venezuela were bound by a sweeping bargain born of mutual need: oil for cash. Now, after the U.S.-backed ouster of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, that partnership is facing its most serious test, as Washington tightens its grip on the country’s oil industry and Beijing reassesses both its exposure
- [Nicolás Maduro Pleads Not Guilty in US Narco-Terrorism Case](https://slguardian.org/nicolas-maduro-pleads-not-guilty-in-us-narco-terrorism-case/) - Updated Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro appeared in a New York City federal courtroom on Monday to face serious charges brought by the United States, including narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess such weapons. The indictment, which was made public over the weekend, accuses Maduro of
- [Xi is Not Trump](https://slguardian.org/xi-is-not-trump/) - Editorial Western media, in their infinite hypocrisy, love nothing more than taking their designated enemies abroad and comparing them to their own leaders at home, as if the two are remotely similar. They did it yesterday with Venezuela, and they are doing it today with China and Russia, twisting reality so aggressively that even a
- [Tata Group Searches for New Air India CEO Amid Slow Recovery](https://slguardian.org/tata-group-searches-for-new-air-india-ceo-amid-slow-recovery/) - The Tata Group has begun searching for a new Chief Executive Officer for Air India, signaling frustration with the airline’s slow recovery following a June crash that killed more than 241 passengers and crew, according to people familiar with the matter. Current CEO Campbell Wilson, whose contract runs until mid-2027, will not be offered an
- [Ten Convicted for Cyber Harassment of France’s First Lady](https://slguardian.org/ten-convicted-for-cyber-harassment-of-frances-first-lady/) - A Paris court on Monday found ten individuals guilty of cyber harassment against France’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron, in the latest legal action over false claims that she is a transgender woman. The eight men and two women, aged 41 to 60, received suspended sentences of up to eight months, according to French media reports.
- [Assam’s Uneasy Calm](https://slguardian.org/assams-uneasy-calm/) - On December 29, 2025, the Assam Police's Special Task Force (STF) dismantled an Islamist extremist module linked to Imam Mahmuder Kafila (IMK), an offshoot of the Bangladesh-based Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), with the arrest of 10 suspected operatives from Barpeta, Chirang, and Darrang Districts. STF Chief and Guwahati Police Commissioner Partha Sarathi Mahanta disclosed that
- [Pakistan’s War on Its Minorities](https://slguardian.org/pakistans-war-on-its-minorities/) - On December 26, 2025, a 15-year-old Hindu girl, Premi Bhil was abducted from Tando Jan Muhammad town in the Mirpur Khas District of Sindh Province. She was forcibly converted to Islam, renamed Kulsoom Sheikh, and married to Shehbaz Mahar, a man over 30 years old who was already married. On December 6, 2025, a Hindu
- [The Restoration of Colonial Logic](https://slguardian.org/the-restoration-of-colonial-logic/) - America's actions in Venezuela, coupled with Europe's acquiescence, mark an open reversion to colonialist militarism. For much of the post-Cold War era, Western power operated through deniability. Coercion was cloaked in the language of humanitarian intervention, democracy promotion, or free trade. What distinguishes the Trump era - and Venezuela in particular - is not the
- [2026 Could Decide the Fate of AI and Copyright in U.S. Courts](https://slguardian.org/2026-could-decide-the-fate-of-ai-and-copyright-in-u-s-courts/) - The sprawling legal battle over tech companies’ use of copyrighted material to train artificial intelligence systems is poised to enter a decisive phase in 2026. Following a wave of new lawsuits and a landmark $1.5 billion settlement in 2025, courts are expected to issue rulings that could redefine how U.S. copyright law applies to generative
- [J.P. Morgan Launches Elite Advisory Unit to Tackle AI, Cybersecurity, and Geopolitics](https://slguardian.org/j-p-morgan-launches-elite-advisory-unit-to-tackle-ai-cybersecurity-and-geopolitics/) - J.P. Morgan announced on Monday the creation of its Special Advisory Services unit, designed to provide strategic guidance on emerging themes including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital assets, healthcare, geopolitics, supply chains, and sustainability. The move reflects growing demand for specialized expertise as technology adoption, geopolitical shifts, and economic uncertainty reshape global markets. The unit will
- [Switzerland Freezes Maduro’s Assets Amid U.S. Arrest](https://slguardian.org/switzerland-freezes-maduros-assets-amid-u-s-arrest/) - Swiss authorities have moved swiftly to freeze assets belonging to Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his close associates, following his arrest by U.S. forces in Caracas and subsequent transfer to the United States. The Federal Council announced on Monday that the measure, effective immediately and set to last four years, is designed to prevent the
- [Venezuela Faces $150 Billion Debt Crisis After Maduro’s Fall](https://slguardian.org/venezuela-faces-150-billion-debt-crisis-after-maduros-fall/) - The overthrow of President Nicolas Maduro has cast a harsh spotlight on Venezuela’s mounting debt crisis, now one of the world’s largest unresolved sovereign defaults. With total external liabilities estimated between $150 billion and $170 billion, the country faces a debt-to-GDP ratio approaching 200%, according to the International Monetary Fund. Venezuela first defaulted in late
- [America’s Fatal Mistake in Venezuela](https://slguardian.org/americas-fatal-mistake-in-venezuela/) - History will record US President Trump’s move to invade Venezuela, arrest its President and his wife, and forcibly take them to the US to face trial in a US court, as one of the worst decisions made by any US President in American history. This is a fatal error that would seriously damage the reputation
- [America the Rogue State](https://slguardian.org/america-the-rogue-state/) - The ruling class of the United States, severed from a fact-based universe and blinded by idiocy, greed and hubris, has immolated the internal mechanisms that prevent dictatorship, and the external mechanisms designed to protect against a lawless world of colonialism and gunboat diplomacy. Our democratic institutions are moribund. They are unable or unwilling to restrain
- [Like Noriega of Panama, Will Maduro Face 40 Years Behind Bars?](https://slguardian.org/like-noriega-will-maduro-face-40-years-behind-bars/) - by Luxman Aravind In the predawn darkness of 20 December 1989, the streets of Panama City erupted in chaos as the United States launched Operation Just Cause to capture General Manuel Noriega, the country’s military ruler. Helicopters swooped across the skyline, tanks rolled through neighbourhoods, and gunfire tore through the air. By the end of
- [Millions of Americans Are Turning to ChatGPT for Health Care Answers](https://slguardian.org/millions-of-americans-are-turning-to-chatgpt-for-health-care-answers/) - More than 40 million Americans now turn to ChatGPT daily for health information, according to a report from OpenAI shared exclusively with Axios. The findings highlight how artificial intelligence is increasingly filling gaps in access, affordability, and understanding within the U.S. health care system. Axios reports that patients are using ChatGPT as an “ally” to
- [Eurasia Group: Washington Is Dissolving the World It Once Led](https://slguardian.org/eurasia-group-washington-is-dissolving-the-world-it-once-led/) - The United States is no longer merely retreating from global leadership but actively dismantling the international order it created, according to Eurasia Group’s Top Risks 2026 report written by Ian Bremmer, president, and Cliff Kupchan, chairman. The report opens with an unambiguous assessment: “The United States is itself unwinding its own global order. The world’s
- [Maduro Faces U.S. Court as Trump Threatens Further Strikes](https://slguardian.org/maduro-faces-u-s-court-as-trump-threatens-further-strikes/) - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is set to appear in a U.S. federal court on Monday following his capture by American forces over the weekend, a move that has ignited international concern and heightened uncertainty across Venezuela. The detention comes amid sweeping criminal charges against Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, for alleged ties to major
- [Venezuela Sends Call for Peace and Cooperation to the United States](https://slguardian.org/venezuela-sends-call-for-peace-and-cooperation-to-the-united-states/) - Acting President Delcy Rodríguez issued a message highlighting Venezuela’s desire to live free from external threats and in an environment of mutual respect. She emphasized that global peace begins with peace within each nation and stressed the importance of balanced international relations grounded in sovereign equality and non-interference. Rodríguez called on the United States to
- [Iran Cannot Be Defeated --- An Iranian Viewpoint](https://slguardian.org/iran-cannot-be-defeated-an-iranian-viewpoint/) - As Donald Trump once again resorts to threats, pressure, and performative declarations of support for the Iranian people, a familiar question resurfaces in global discourse: Can Iran be defeated? In current global rhetoric, heightened tensions between the United States and Iran have prompted questions about whether the United States — including under the leadership of
- [Iran Launches Primate Lab to Pioneer Parkinson’s Cell Therapy](https://slguardian.org/iran-launches-primate-lab-to-pioneer-parkinsons-cell-therapy/) - Attaollah Poorabbasi, secretary of the Cognitive Sciences and Technologies Headquarters of Iran’s Vice Presidency for Science and Technology, told Tasnim News Agency that the initiative is supported in collaboration with the Royan Institute. Researchers at the institute have been developing a cell-therapy approach for Parkinson’s disease, with early results described as “highly satisfactory.” Poorabbasi emphasized
- [AI Stock Boom Fuels Bubble Fears as Big Tech Spending Soars](https://slguardian.org/ai-stock-boom-fuels-bubble-fears-as-big-tech-spending-soars/) - As artificial intelligence continues to propel global equity markets to record highs, investors are increasingly questioning whether the rally is laying the groundwork for the next major financial bubble. A detailed Bloomberg analysis suggests the answer is complex, with today’s AI boom sharing traits of past bubbles while also resting on stronger fundamentals than previous
- [World Enters Pivotal Climate Year as Emissions Cuts Fall Short](https://slguardian.org/world-enters-pivotal-climate-year-as-emissions-cuts-fall-short/) - Scientists have warned that global carbon emissions must be reduced by nearly 50% by 2030 to keep temperature increases within 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Current trends, however, show nations falling well short of that goal, raising the risk of further backsliding even as some unexpected sources of progress emerge. In the United States,
- [India’s Aviation Boom Hits Turbulence as IndiGo, Air India Crises Expose Systemic Strain](https://slguardian.org/indias-aviation-boom-hits-turbulence-as-indigo-air-india-crises-expose-systemic-strain/) - IndiGo, which controls about two-thirds of India’s domestic market, suffered an unprecedented operational breakdown in early December after pilot shortages and software glitches overwhelmed its tightly managed schedules. Thousands of flights were cancelled, stranding around half a million passengers. India’s aviation regulator is expected to release a report on the airline’s lapses in the coming
- [Trump’s Venezuela Raid Tests Limits of International Law](https://slguardian.org/trumps-venezuela-raid-tests-limits-of-international-law/) - The legality of the United States’ intervention in Venezuela has come under intense scrutiny after President Donald Trump defended the military operation to seize President Nicolás Maduro by invoking what he called the “Donroe doctrine,” a modernised version of the 19th-century Monroe doctrine. Trump’s argument seeks to recast long-standing U.S. claims of influence over the
- [Cyberattacks on Taiwan Surge Amid China’s “Hybrid Warfare”](https://slguardian.org/cyberattacks-on-taiwan-surge-amid-chinas-hybrid-warfare/) - Cyberattacks on Taiwan’s hospitals, banks, energy facilities, and other critical infrastructure rose 6% in 2025 compared with the previous year, the island’s National Security Bureau reported on Sunday, averaging 2.63 million attacks per day. Some of the incidents were synchronized with Chinese military drills, reflecting what Taipei describes as a strategy of “hybrid warfare” designed
- [Khamenei Said to Plot Escape to Moscow as Protests Roil Iran](https://slguardian.org/khamenei-said-to-plot-escape-to-moscow-as-protests-roil-iran/) - Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has drawn up a contingency plan to flee the country if unrest intensifies and his security forces fail to contain nationwide protests, according to an intelligence report cited by the Times UK. The report says Khamenei, 86, would leave Tehran with a small inner circle of close aides and
- [Chagos Deal Sparks Security and Environmental Backlash](https://slguardian.org/chagos-deal-sparks-security-and-environmental-backlash/) - A plan by Prime Minister Keir Starmer to hand sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius has drawn sharp criticism from senior figures involved in governing the territory, with warnings that the deal could weaken western security, undermine environmental protections and betray the Chagossian people. Concerns raised to the Times UK come as legislation to
- [Global Markets Steady Amid Venezuela Tensions](https://slguardian.org/global-markets-steady-amid-venezuela-tensions/) - Asian markets opened higher on Monday while oil prices remained choppy, as investors looked past U.S. military action in Venezuela over the weekend and braced for a busy week of economic data. The capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by American forces, and President Donald Trump’s declaration of temporary U.S. control over the country, has
- [Samsung to Double AI-Enabled Devices in 2026](https://slguardian.org/samsung-to-double-ai-enabled-devices-in-2026/) - Samsung Electronics plans to double the number of mobile devices featuring AI powered by Google’s Gemini this year, aiming to reach 800 million units in 2026, its co-CEO T.M. Roh told Reuters. The move positions the South Korean tech giant to strengthen its partnership with Google and gain an edge over rivals in the intensifying
- [Oil Prices Dip as Venezuela Turmoil Fails to Shake Markets](https://slguardian.org/oil-prices-dip-as-venezuela-turmoil-fails-to-shake-markets/) - Oil prices edged lower in early Asian trading on Monday, as concerns over political upheaval in Venezuela were outweighed by abundant global supply. Brent crude futures fell 34 cents to $60.41 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude dropped 41 cents to $56.91 a barrel. The decline comes after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan
- [North Korea Tests Hypersonic Missiles](https://slguardian.org/north-korea-tests-hypersonic-missiles/) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test firing of hypersonic missiles on Sunday, in Pyongyang’s first ballistic missile exercise of the year, state media KCNA reported. The launch comes as Kim cited the need to maintain a “strong and reliable nuclear deterrent” in response to what he called “the recent geopolitical crisis and
- [Sovereignty Is a Sham: The Hypocrisy of State Power Playing the Rules It Pretends to Follow](https://slguardian.org/sovereignty-is-a-sham-the-hypocrisy-of-state-power-playing-the-rules-it-pretends-to-follow/) - Summary: In this essay, Martina Moneke exposes how states wield claims of sovereignty and international law not as binding principles, but as tools to justify power. From Russia's invasion of Ukraine to Kremlin statements defending Venezuela from "external interference," she traces a long history of selective norm enforcement shaped by imperial ambition, legal loopholes, and political
- [Yemen: Everyone’s playground](https://slguardian.org/yemen-everyones-playground/) - Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Sunday Morning, Colombo US President Donald Trump’s policies battered the global order in ways that were mirrored, if not eclipsed, by the devastation wrought by the Houthis in 2025. In Yemen, what was already a humanitarian catastrophe metastasised into an arena where statecraft, historical grievances, and proxy power projections
- [Deterrence by Force](https://slguardian.org/deterrence-by-force/) - After almost six months of a US large-scale air-naval offensive against Iran’s underground nuclear reactors to reassert its security credibility in the Middle East, following Israel’s strikes in Qatar that crossed the region’s security red lines, the US, through an intensive joint and multi-domain operation codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve, captured Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro after
- [Death toll climbs to 80 as Maduro captured and Washington asserts temporary control](https://slguardian.org/death-toll-climbs-to-80-as-maduro-captured-and-washington-asserts-temporary-control/) - The death toll from a U.S. military operation in Venezuela has risen to at least 80, according to a report by the New York Times on Sunday, marking a dramatic escalation in Washington’s confrontation with the South American nation. Citing a senior Venezuelan official, the newspaper said the number of casualties could increase further as
- [Sri Lanka’s Voice of Valor](https://slguardian.org/sri-lankas-voice-of-valor/) - I attended the funeral of legendary singer Deshamannya Kala Soori Latha Walpola today. I want to pen down how her famous song “Shrini Vidushitha Lanka Derene Sinha Danaya Lelede” (Lion flag flying on Sri Lanka land) inspired military men during the famous and largest amphibious landing at Vettelikani, Jaffna, on 14th July 1991 to reinforce
- [The Venezuela Operation and the Illusion of International Morality](https://slguardian.org/the-venezuela-operation-and-the-illusion-of-international-morality/) - Editorial The flood of statements condemning the alleged kidnapping of Venezuela’s sitting president has been loud, moralistic and curiously hollow. Governments rush to declare the act illegal, commentators invoke international law with theatrical gravity, and yet the United Nations Security Council remains paralysed days later, unable or unwilling to convene with urgency. Members of the
- [Sometimes We Have to Choose Humanity Over Justice](https://slguardian.org/sometimes-we-have-to-choose-humanity-over-justice/) - Roger Berkowitz’s keynote at The PolyOpportunity Retreat, Garrison Institute, Hudson Valley, NY, April 13, 2025. This was first published in Beauty Shot It’s a real pleasure to be here. Bard College is only about 45 minutes away, but I’ve never actually been down here at the Garrison Institute—so thank you for inviting me. When I
- [Iran Unrest Turns Deadly](https://slguardian.org/iran-unrest-turns-deadly/) - At least 16 people have been killed during a week of unrest across Iran as protests driven by soaring inflation escalated into violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces, according to rights groups. Deaths and hundreds of arrests have been reported by both state media and activists, though figures vary and could not be independently
- [Berlin Blackout Sparks Extremism Fears](https://slguardian.org/berlin-blackout-sparks-extremism-fears/) - A fire that cut electricity to large parts of southwest Berlin and left tens of thousands of residents without power was likely caused by a far-left extremist attack, German officials said on Sunday, raising concerns about politically motivated sabotage of critical infrastructure. Grid operator Stromnetz Berlin said the suspected arson attack could leave up to
- [Botswana Turns to Moscow for Strategic Ties](https://slguardian.org/botswana-turns-to-moscow-for-strategic-ties/) - Botswana plans to open an embassy in Moscow in the near future and has invited Russian companies to invest in its rare earth minerals and diamond sector, signalling a strengthening of ties with Russia as Moscow seeks to expand its influence in Africa amid strained relations with the West. Botswana’s foreign minister, Phenyo Butale, said
- [Weaving Memories of Calcutta’s Golden Sixties](https://slguardian.org/weaving-memories-of-calcuttas-golden-sixties/) - An Indian film - Coffee House-er Sei Adda Ta (That gathering at the Coffee House) is all set to make its mark not just in the national arena but also in the international film circuit with its story revolving around a time zone where ideas mattered more than money, and dreams were poured as generously
- [Resetting Pakistan’s Economy](https://slguardian.org/resetting-pakistans-economy/) - In a pivotal moment for Pakistan's economic trajectory, the government has launched the Prime Minister’s Economic Governance Reforms, marking a shift from macroeconomic stabilization to a growth-oriented, reform-driven framework. The reform agenda, outlined by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb during a key address at the Prime Minister's Office, lays the foundation
- [Sri Lanka’s Ruling Party Condemns US Military Action in Venezuela](https://slguardian.org/sri-lankas-ruling-party-condemns-us-military-action-in-venezuela/) - Sri Lanka’s ruling party, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), has strongly condemned the recent military action by the United States in Venezuela, describing it as an unjustified violation of a sovereign nation. In a detailed statement, the party criticized the US for “invading [Venezuela] and kidnapping its elected President, Maduro, and his wife,” framing the
- [Maduro Rejected Turkey Exit, Then U.S. Struck](https://slguardian.org/maduro-rejected-turkey-exit-then-u-s-struck/) - After months of secret planning and days of failed diplomacy, the United States launched a sweeping military operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, following his rejection of a U.S.-backed offer that would have sent him into exile in Turkey. The account, drawn from reporting by the New York Times, reveals an inside story of
- [New Footage Shows Maduro and Cilia Flores Arriving in New York](https://slguardian.org/new-footage-shows-maduro-and-cilia-flores-arriving-in-new-york/) - New images have emerged showing Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, arriving in New York, apparently in connection with possible prosecution in the United States. The footage follows a dramatic U.S. military operation that removed Maduro from power and has been described by officials as one of the most complex extraterritorial missions in
- [From Promises to Pandemonium: Sri Lanka’s Education in Freefall](https://slguardian.org/from-promises-to-pandemonium-sri-lankas-education-in-freefall/) - by Luxman Aravind From the day this government assumed power, they painted a picture of an education system transformed, a nation elevated, a future secured. They promised the impossible: a world-class system funded at six per cent of GDP, teachers elevated to heroes, schools brimming with modern facilities, and children groomed to thrive in a
- [The Soundtrack of Sri Lanka’s Power Struggles](https://slguardian.org/the-soundtrack-of-sri-lankas-power-struggles/) - Before J. R. Jayewardene left on a state visit to the United States at the invitation of then President Ronald Reagan, he received a questionnaire from Washington. It asked about his favourite food and his favourite song. J. R. named Frank Sinatra’s “I Did It My Way” as his favourite. When he arrived at the
- [The Somaliland They Don’t Want You to Remember](https://slguardian.org/the-somaliland-they-dont-want-you-to-remember/) - Editor's Note: This article was originally published in Sunday Island, Colombo, providing insight into Somaliland’s history and Israel’s recent recognition. What if the most repeated claims about Somaliland are wrong? What if the idea that its separation is a recent rebellion, that its people were always committed to pan-Somali unity, or that Israel’s move represents
- [Venezuela Has a New President — But for How Long?](https://slguardian.org/venezuela-has-a-new-president-but-for-how-long/) - Editorial Venezuela has entered one of the most volatile chapters in its modern history. With President Nicolás Maduro removed from power following a dramatic U.S. military operation, the country’s Supreme Court has ordered Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to immediately assume and exercise all presidential powers in an acting capacity. On paper, this is a constitutional
- [Khamenei Warns Against “Rioters” Exploiting Protests, Highlights Iran’s Achievements](https://slguardian.org/khamenei-warns-against-rioters-exploiting-protests-highlights-irans-achievements/) - Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, has called for firm action against individuals he described as “rioters” or foreign-linked elements seeking to exploit public protests, while affirming that legitimate grievances must be addressed. Speaking on Saturday, January 3, during a ceremony marking the birth anniversary of Imam Ali (PBUH) and the sixth anniversary of
- [Trump Dismisses Venezuelan Nobel Winner as Potential Leader Amid US Intervention](https://slguardian.org/trump-dismisses-venezuelan-nobel-winner-as-potential-leader-amid-us-intervention/) - President Donald Trump has cast doubt on Venezuelan opposition figure and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado’s ability to lead her country, following a US military operation that captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. Speaking at a press conference, Trump described Machado as a “very nice woman” but said she lacked the necessary
- [Britain Joins France in Targeted Missile Strike on ISIS in Syria](https://slguardian.org/britain-joins-france-in-targeted-missile-strike-on-isis-in-syria/) - Britain has launched a precision missile strike against Islamic State positions in Syria, working in tandem with the French air force, the Ministry of Defence confirmed. RAF Typhoon FGR4 fighter jets deployed Paveway IV guided bombs to destroy access tunnels leading into an underground facility north of the ancient ruins of Palmyra on Saturday evening.
- [UK Military Once Sought UFO Technology Amid Rising Reports of “Extraterrestrial” Craft](https://slguardian.org/uk-military-once-sought-ufo-technology-amid-rising-reports-of-extraterrestrial-craft/) - Previously undisclosed Ministry of Defence documents show that Britain’s military actively investigated the possibility that UFOs, or “unidentified aerial phenomena” (UAP), could represent real and highly advanced technology during the 1990s. According to files released at the National Archives in Kew and reported by Times UK, the Defence Intelligence Staff (DIS) treated the phenomenon with
- [China Faces Oil Supply Crunch After Trump’s Military Action in Venezuela](https://slguardian.org/china-faces-oil-supply-crunch-after-trumps-military-action-in-venezuela/) - China is confronting a potential shortfall in oil supplies following military strikes by former US President Donald Trump on Venezuela, which included the capture and removal of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. The attacks, which came after months of tensions over allegations of drug trafficking, caught the region by surprise and are expected to
- [Generation X Faces Unprecedented Financial Squeeze as Sandwich Years Bite](https://slguardian.org/generation-x-faces-unprecedented-financial-squeeze-as-sandwich-years-bite/) - For Stephen Jones*, 51, managing his household finances often feels like “financial triage.” After decades of funding private schooling for three children, he is now preparing to cover university costs for his twin daughters while simultaneously supporting his 80-year-old mother-in-law, who has dementia, and navigating the terminal illness of his stepfather. The pressures on Jones
- [Tech Titans Cash Out as AI Rally Fuels Record Stock Gains](https://slguardian.org/tech-titans-cash-out-as-ai-rally-fuels-record-stock-gains/) - Tech executives took advantage of a record-breaking rally in 2025 to convert massive paper gains into cash, selling more than $16 billion worth of company stock as share prices surged, according to a Bloomberg analysis of insider trading data. The sales came amid an AI-driven boom that pushed valuations of major technology firms to historic
- [Bitfinex Hacker Ilya Lichtenstein Credits Trump for Early Prison Release](https://slguardian.org/bitfinex-hacker-ilya-lichtenstein-credits-trump-for-early-prison-release/) - Ilya Lichtenstein, who pleaded guilty to money laundering charges linked to the historic hack of cryptocurrency exchange Bitfinex, has been released early from prison and placed on home confinement, according to statements he made this week on social media. In a post published Thursday evening on X, Lichtenstein said his early release was made possible
- [Venezuela Oil Output Unlikely to Rise Quickly Despite Trump Pledge to U.S. Firms](https://slguardian.org/venezuela-oil-output-unlikely-to-rise-quickly-despite-trump-pledge-to-u-s-firms/) - Venezuela is unlikely to see a meaningful increase in crude oil production for years, even if U.S. energy companies invest billions of dollars following President Donald Trump’s pledge after the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces, analysts told Reuters. Despite holding the world’s largest estimated oil reserves, Venezuela’s output has collapsed over decades due
- [Stealth RQ-170 Drones Linked to U.S. Operation to Capture Maduro](https://slguardian.org/stealth-rq-170-drones-linked-to-u-s-operation-to-capture-maduro/) - At least one, and possibly two, of the U.S. Air Force’s highly secretive RQ-170 Sentinel stealth drones appear to have taken part in the overnight operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, according to reporting by The War Zone. The presence of the elusive drone, rarely observed during real-world missions, points to
- [Satellite Images Reveal Precision of U.S. Operation to Capture Maduro](https://slguardian.org/satellite-images-reveal-precision-of-u-s-operation-to-capture-maduro/) - New satellite imagery is offering the clearest picture yet of how the U.S. military carried out its operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, shedding light on the scale, targets, and precision of the mission known as Operation Absolute Resolve. According to analysis published by The War Zone, the images reveal extensive damage to key
- [No More Oil for Cuba](https://slguardian.org/no-more-oil-for-cuba/) - Nicolás Maduro was the head of the Venezuelan dictatorship, but his removal signals the coming liquidation not only of the Venezuelan cartels and thugs, but has a dramatic immediate impact on Cuba. Is Cuba next? Cuba has an extensive presence in Venezuela and Cuban intelligence and military personnel not only trained the Venezuelan military, but
- [U.S. Strikes in Venezuela: Democracy or the New AI Energy War?](https://slguardian.org/u-s-strikes-in-venezuela-democracy-or-the-new-ai-energy-war/) - Tonight’s dramatic U.S. military operation in Venezuela, which included airstrikes on key sites in Caracas and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, is being presented publicly as a “restoration of democracy.” However, analysts say the deeper, unspoken driver may be a strategic contest over energy resources, critical for the next phase of global technological competition:
- [Breaking: Maduro Seen on USS Iwo Jima After Reported U.S. Arrest](https://slguardian.org/breaking-maduro-seen-on-uss-iwo-jima-after-reported-u-s-arrest/) - The first image showing deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro aboard the U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima has circulated widely online, intensifying speculation over reports that he was arrested by U.S. forces during what has been described as an unprovoked military operation. The photograph was posted by U.S. President Donald Trump on his
- [Attacks on Venezuela --- A New World Order?](https://slguardian.org/attacks-on-venezuela-a-new-world-order/) - The one thing man fears is the unknown. When presented with this scenario, individual rights will be willingly relinquished for the guarantee of their well-being granted to them by a World Government, a New World Order. ~ Henry A. Kissinger Introduction The phrase “New World Order,” coined in the twilight of the Cold War by
- [Trump’s Coup in Venezuela](https://slguardian.org/trumps-coup-in-venezuela/) - There is only one word to describe the US attacks on Venezuela. That word is criminal. It is the only word that describes the act of invading another nation and kidnapping its president. Of course, it is also a word that describes the essential nature of the US empire—an empire currently run by a band
- [I’ll Focus on Negotiations and Stability,” Says Budanov as Ukraine’s Chief of Staff](https://slguardian.org/ill-focus-on-negotiations-and-stability-says-budanov-as-ukraines-chief-of-staff/) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has named Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov as his new chief of staff, replacing Andrii Yermak, a controversial figure recently dismissed amid a corruption scandal. In an exclusive conversation with The War Zone, Budanov said his priorities in the role will center on “negotiations and stabilization of the internal situation and, of
- [The United States attacks Venezuela and kidnaps its president in an illegal operation](https://slguardian.org/the-united-states-attacks-venezuela-and-kidnaps-its-president-in-an-illegal-operation/) - A little after 2am, Venezuela time, on 3 January 2026, in violation of Article 2 of the United Nations Charter, the United States began an attack on several sites in the country, including Caracas, the capital. Residents awoke to loud noises and flashes, as well as large helicopters in the sky. Videos began to appear
- [Neo-Liberalism Meets Religious Extremism: Bangladesh’s Fragile Future](https://slguardian.org/neo-liberalism-meets-religious-extremism-bangladeshs-fragile-future/) - Following Sheikh Hasina's removal from the position of Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus assumed leadership of a non-partisan interim government. His strategy for political survival involved forming alliances with Islamist parties and cultivating strong connections with global neo-liberal forces. A notable early sign of the interim government’s inclination to accommodate religious fundamentalist elements was
- [Venezuela's Maduro Captured: The Shortest Regime Change in History](https://slguardian.org/maduro-captured-the-shortest-regime-change-in-history/) - What is unfolding in Venezuela may prove to be one of the most consequential demonstrations of American military power in the twenty-first century. If Donald Trump’s claim is true—that Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who was the lead attorney for Hugo Chávez's defence team, have been captured and flown out of the country
- [Ethiopia Reaches Agreement in Principle with Bondholders on $1 Billion Debt](https://slguardian.org/ethiopia-reaches-agreement-in-principle-with-bondholders-on-1-billion-debt/) - Ethiopia has announced that it reached an agreement in principle with bondholders over the restructuring of a $1 billion bond on which it defaulted in 2023, signaling progress in its efforts to overhaul the debt this year. The discussions, held between Dec. 23 and Jan. 1, focused on the 6.625% coupon rate bond due in
- [They Kidnapped Our President — Venezuelan AG Claims](https://slguardian.org/they-kidnapped-our-president-venezuelan-ag-claims/) - Venezuela’s Attorney General, Tarek William Saab Halabi, has accused the United States of kidnapping President Nicolás Maduro during recent strikes that, he claims, also killed civilians. Speaking on state television, Saab Halabi described the operation as a “cowardly attack” and urged the international community, including the United Nations and human rights organizations, to condemn it.
- [Expiration of U.S. Tax Credits Could Raise Costs for Home Solar and Heat Pumps in 2026](https://slguardian.org/expiration-of-u-s-tax-credits-could-raise-costs-for-home-solar-and-heat-pumps-in-2026/) - The 30% federal tax credit for residential solar panels, batteries, and heat pumps will expire at the end of 2025, removing a major incentive that previously allowed homeowners to reduce their tax bills by thousands of dollars. Bloomberg reports that a typical solar and battery system generated around $10,000 in tax credits for homeowners, meaning
- [Maduro and Wife Indicted in U.S. on Narco-Terrorism Charges](https://slguardian.org/maduro-and-wife-indicted-in-u-s-on-narco-terrorism-charges/) - The U.S. Department of Justice has formally indicted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in the Southern District of New York, Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced on Twitter. Maduro faces multiple serious charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess such weapons
- [Maduro Meets Chinese Envoy Hours Before U.S. Strikes on Venezuela](https://slguardian.org/maduro-meets-chinese-envoy-hours-before-u-s-strikes-on-venezuela/) - Just hours before U.S. military strikes hit Venezuelan territory, President Nicolás Maduro met with China’s Special Envoy for Latin American Affairs, Qiu Xiaoqi, in Caracas. The meeting reportedly reaffirmed bilateral partnerships and reviewed existing agreements, providing a rare opportunity to discuss how the unfolding crisis around Venezuela could impact Chinese interests in the region. Observers
- [U.S. Strikes on Venezuela Ignite Global Outrage](https://slguardian.org/u-s-strikes-on-venezuela-ignite-global-outrage/) - Saturday’s U.S. military strikes on Venezuela have provoked a wave of condemnation and concern from countries across the globe, highlighting the fragile state of international relations. Russia’s Foreign Ministry described the attacks as “an act of armed aggression,” criticizing Washington for prioritizing ideological animosity over pragmatic diplomacy and urging Latin America to remain a “zone
- [“We Captured Maduro and Took Him Out,” Trump Says After Large‑Scale Strikes](https://slguardian.org/we-captured-maduro-and-took-him-out-trump-says-after-large-scale-strikes/) - U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States has “captured” Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and flown them out of the country following what he described as “large-scale” American strikes, a claim that, if confirmed, would mark a dramatic escalation in relations between the two countries. Trump’s statement came as Venezuela’s government accused
- [Trump Dismisses Health Concerns as Scrutiny Grows Over His Physical and Mental Fitness](https://slguardian.org/trump-dismisses-health-concerns-as-scrutiny-grows-over-his-physical-and-mental-fitness/) - Few issues provoke a stronger reaction from President Donald Trump than questions about his physical and mental health. At 79, the oldest person to assume the U.S. presidency, Trump repeatedly asserts that he is in excellent condition and possesses exceptional mental acuity. On Friday, he again claimed on social media that he had passed his
- [Reports Claim U.S. Air Strikes Hit Caracas, Venezuela Declares Emergency](https://slguardian.org/reports-claim-u-s-air-strikes-hit-caracas-venezuela-declares-emergency/) - Unconfirmed reports of U.S. air strikes triggered chaos in Venezuela’s capital Caracas early on Tuesday, with explosions reported at major military installations and the government declaring a nationwide state of emergency. According to accounts circulating in regional media and on social platforms, the attacks began between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m., shaking large parts of
- [Myanmar Junta-Backed Party Claims Early Lead in First Post-Coup Election](https://slguardian.org/myanmar-junta-backed-party-claims-early-lead-in-first-post-coup-election/) - Myanmar’s military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has taken a commanding lead after the first phase of a controversial general election, according to early results cited by state media and reported by Reuters. The vote marks the country’s first election since the army seized power in a 2021 coup that ousted the elected government
- [Trump Blocks Chinese-Linked Takeover of U.S. Defense Tech Assets](https://slguardian.org/trump-blocks-chinese-linked-takeover-of-u-s-defense-tech-assets/) - President Donald Trump on Friday blocked a $3 million acquisition by U.S. photonics firm HieFo Corp of assets belonging to New Jersey-based aerospace and defence specialist Emcore, citing national security risks linked to China, according to Reuters. The decision was outlined in a White House order that said HieFo was “controlled by a citizen of
- [Kashmir’s Saffron Guards Fade as Pampore’s Fields Fall Silent](https://slguardian.org/kashmirs-saffron-guards-fade-as-pampores-fields-fall-silent/) - As dusk settles over Pampore, Kashmir’s famed saffron town, 73-year-old Mohammad Akbar Ganie sits outside his grass-thatched hut, watching the last light fall on fields that once glowed with purple flowers. For three decades, Akbar worked as a rachdaar, a night guard entrusted with protecting saffron crops through long, freezing harvest nights. This year, for
- [The End of India’s Twin-Track in Myanmar](https://slguardian.org/the-end-of-indias-twin-track-in-myanmar/) - After almost four years of coup, Myanmar has held elections, which, by definition, do not appear to be free and fair and were just held to legitimise military rule. The most important aspect of this election is that the generals’ consolidation of power could influence South Asia’s stability and balance in the coming period, especially
- [Sri Lanka’s Quasi-Authoritarian Drift: NPP Eyes Takeover of Constitutional Council](https://slguardian.org/sri-lankas-quasi-authoritarian-drift-npp-eyes-takeover-of-constitutional-council/) - Speculation is rife about a possible attempt by the ruling National People’s Power (NPP) to take control of the 10-member Constitutional Council (CC). The only way to take command of the CC is to appoint those willing to pursue the NPP agenda as civil society representatives. Against the backdrop of the NPP’s failure to obtain
- [Tazara Railway Revival Signals China-West Rivalry in Africa](https://slguardian.org/tazara-railway-revival-signals-china-west-rivalry-in-africa/) - For decades, the Tanzania-Zambia Railway, known as Tazara, symbolised both engineering ambition and African independence. But today, the once-bustling line that carried over a million tonnes of copper and freight annually has fallen into near-obsolescence, with trains crawling through cratered tracks and passenger service reduced to a fraction of its former scale. For engineers like
- [Inside Putin’s Kremlin Life: Secrets, Family, and a Fortress of Power](https://slguardian.org/inside-putins-kremlin-life-secrets-family-and-a-fortress-of-power/) - Despite being a public figure for more than 25 years, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s private life remains largely hidden from public view. According to Times UK, the few glimpses into his personal world come either filtered through state propaganda or uncovered by investigative journalists. A state television documentary aired last year offered a rare peek
- [Mohan Bhagwat Rejects Claims of RSS as Paramilitary, Urges National Unity](https://slguardian.org/mohan-bhagwat-rejects-claims-of-rss-as-paramilitary-urges-national-unity/) - Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday dismissed perceptions that the Sangh operates as a paramilitary organisation, asserting that its mission is rooted in social unity and national resilience rather than militaristic activity. Speaking before a gathering of prominent personalities, he said the organisation’s uniformed drills and physical exercises should not be mistaken
- [HSBC Moves to Bankrupt Barclay Brothers Over Collapsed Logistics Empire](https://slguardian.org/hsbc-moves-to-bankrupt-barclay-brothers-over-collapsed-logistics-empire/) - HSBC has launched bankruptcy petitions against Aidan and Howard Barclay, senior members of the Barclay family, as the bank seeks repayment for debts linked to the family’s collapsed logistics business, Times UK reported. The cases were filed in the High Court in December, with the bank having recovered only about £1.1 million of a £143.5
- [The Scientist’s Guide to Ultra-Processed Foods: What to Eat and What to Avoid](https://slguardian.org/the-scientists-guide-to-ultra-processed-foods-what-to-eat-and-what-to-avoid/) - Dr Federica Amati, head nutritionist at Imperial College London and nutrition lead at Zoe, has released a detailed guide for navigating the increasingly crowded aisles of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), highlighting which products to choose and which to leave on the shelf, Times UK reports. Ultra-processed foods—ranging from ready meals and cereal bars to energy drinks—have
- [Maps Drawn in Silence](https://slguardian.org/maps-drawn-in-silence/) - by Durga Velayudham The partition of Africa was not an explosion of European greed but its bureaucratic maturation. Between 1880 and 1914, the continent was not seized in a single moment of imperial frenzy but broken down incrementally through treaties, conventions, exchanges of letters, and diplomatic bargains that transformed dispossession into routine governance. What makes this
- [How MI6 Bought Britain’s Vote for Europe](https://slguardian.org/how-mi6-bought-britains-vote-for-europe/) - Editor's Note: The following essay has been adapted from Britain’s Secret Propaganda War by Paul Lashmar and James Oliver, published in 1999. The book is the first comprehensive account of the Foreign Office’s Information Research Department (IRD), a secretive unit closely linked to MI6 that waged covert propaganda campaigns against Eastern Bloc Communism for nearly
- [Iran Offers Weapons for Cryptocurrency Amid Sanctions Pressure](https://slguardian.org/iran-offers-weapons-for-cryptocurrency-amid-sanctions-pressure/) - Iran is reportedly prepared to accept cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin, as payment for weapons exports, marking one of the first known cases of a nation-state openly using digital assets for military sales, the Financial Times reported, citing promotional documents and payment terms from Iran’s Ministry of Defense Export Center, known as Mindex. Payments can also be
- [NATO’s False Triumph](https://slguardian.org/natos-false-triumph/) - Two quotes, separated by four years, show how profoundly global politics has shifted. The first reads: “The United States of America shall undertake to prevent further eastward expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and deny accession to the Alliance to the States of the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.” This comes from Article 4 of
- [A Nuclear Power Without Nuclear Discipline](https://slguardian.org/a-nuclear-power-without-nuclear-discipline/) - While the nuclear nonproliferation discourses are the epicenter of the United Nations' core agenda, but the concerns about the Uranium black market and the systematic vulnerabilities in India's nuclear program are exacerbating. In May 2021, India's Anti-Terrorist squad in Maharashtra arrested two suspects and recovered seven kilograms of Uranium. Meanwhile, in June, police in Jharkhand
- [Pakistan Jails Journalists for Life Over Online Support for Khan](https://slguardian.org/pakistan-jails-journalists-for-life-over-online-support-for-khan/) - A Pakistani anti-terrorism court has sentenced eight journalists and social media commentators to life imprisonment in absentia, ruling that their online activity in support of former prime minister Imran Khan amounted to terrorism-related offences. The convictions are tied to cases registered after violent nationwide protests on May 9, 2023, when supporters of Khan attacked military
- [Zelenskiy Moves Spymaster to Power Hub Amid War and Graft Fury](https://slguardian.org/zelenskiy-moves-spymaster-to-power-hub-amid-war-and-graft-fury/) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has offered the influential role of presidential chief of staff to Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the country’s military intelligence, signalling a potential shift toward a more security-focused leadership as the war with Russia grinds on. If Budanov accepts the post, he would replace Andriy Yermak, a longtime Zelenskiy confidant who
- [Canada Probes Air India After Pilot Fails Alcohol Tests Before Flight](https://slguardian.org/canada-probes-air-india-after-pilot-fails-alcohol-tests-before-flight/) - Canada’s transport regulator has asked Air India to investigate an incident in which one of its pilots reported for duty under the influence of alcohol and failed two breathalyzer tests before a scheduled international flight, according to a person familiar with the matter. The tests were administered by Canadian police at Vancouver International Airport after
- [Xi Courts Seoul as China Hosts South Korean President Amid Japan Tensions](https://slguardian.org/xi-courts-seoul-as-china-hosts-south-korean-president-amid-japan-tensions/) - Chinese President Xi Jinping will host South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on a state visit beginning Sunday, a move widely seen as an effort by Beijing to strengthen relations with Seoul at a time of heightened friction with Japan over Taiwan. The visit will be the second meeting between Xi and Lee in just
- [Indian States Set Record Borrowing Spree as Bond Yields Face Pressure](https://slguardian.org/indian-states-set-record-borrowing-spree-as-bond-yields-face-pressure/) - Indian states are poised to borrow a record 5 trillion rupees ($55.45 billion) in the January to March quarter, the Reserve Bank of India said on Friday, a move that is expected to add pressure to an already weakening government bond market. Bond market participants had anticipated a heavy issuance calendar for the final quarter
- [Tesla Misses Delivery Mark as EV Demand Slumps After Incentives End](https://slguardian.org/tesla-misses-delivery-mark-as-ev-demand-slumps-after-incentives-end/) - Tesla reported a steeper-than-expected fall in fourth-quarter vehicle deliveries on Friday and posted its second consecutive annual decline in sales, underscoring mounting challenges in sustaining demand for its electric vehicles after the withdrawal of key tax incentives. The results have intensified questions about Tesla’s ability to stabilise its core automotive business even as it pivots
- [Maduro Courts Trump With Oil Offer as Tensions Simmer in Caribbean](https://slguardian.org/maduro-courts-trump-with-oil-offer-as-tensions-simmer-in-caribbean/) - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has struck a conciliatory tone toward U.S. President Donald Trump, proposing serious negotiations on combating drug trafficking and offering U.S. companies broad access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. In comments aired on state television on New Year’s Day, Maduro described Venezuela as a “brother country” to the United States and portrayed
- [India Tightens Scrutiny of Russian Oil as It Courts U.S. Trade Deal](https://slguardian.org/india-tightens-scrutiny-of-russian-oil-as-it-courts-u-s-trade-deal/) - India has begun asking its oil refiners to submit weekly disclosures of crude purchases from Russia and the United States, a move aimed at easing friction with Washington as the two countries seek to revive stalled trade talks, people familiar with the matter told Reuters. The step comes as officials expect Indian imports of Russian
- [Europe’s Factories Falter as Asia Rides Export and AI Revival](https://slguardian.org/europes-factories-falter-as-asia-rides-export-and-ai-revival/) - Manufacturing activity across the euro zone shrank further in December, underscoring persistent weakness in Europe’s industrial sector, while Asia’s factory powerhouses ended 2025 on a firmer footing thanks to a rebound in export orders and surging demand linked to artificial intelligence, according to private surveys. In the 20-nation euro zone, factory activity slid deeper into
- [From Housewife to Helmswoman: The Paradox of South Asian Dynastic Politics](https://slguardian.org/from-housewife-to-helmswoman-the-paradox-of-south-asian-dynastic-politics/) - Dynastic politics is inherent to our South Asian genes, be it in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, or Sri Lanka. We have the occasional accidental leaders, but at the core, the persistent stranglehold of familial power endures; is it a curse or a benediction? One need only gaze at the streets to witness the outcome, observe our
- [Sri Lanka: This Is How Nations Betray Their Defenders](https://slguardian.org/sri-lanka-this-is-how-nations-betray-their-defenders/) - I have no intention of even implicitly commenting on the legality of the ongoing incarceration of Douglas Devananda. I’ve no legal background, and that’s because, having been selected for the Law Faculty at the University of Colombo on the basis of my A level results, I opted to study Political Science instead. I did so
- [Bouquets Outnumber Brickbats in AKD’s Performance as Sri Lanka’s President](https://slguardian.org/bouquets-outnumber-brickbats-in-akds-performance-as-sri-lankas-president/) - The year 2025 will be remembered in Sri Lanka for Cyclone Ditwah, which struck the Sri Lanka coast towards the end of November. The heavy rain and landslides during the cyclone presents a grim picture: 644 people losing their lives, 18 injured, while 183 people were missing. The World Bank has estimated initial damage from
- [Port of Colombo Records Highest-Ever Container Throughput in 2025](https://slguardian.org/port-of-colombo-records-highest-ever-container-throughput-in-2025/) - The Port of Colombo recorded its highest-ever annual container throughput in 2025, handling 8,291,178 TEUs and setting a new benchmark in its operational history. The achievement builds on a strong performance in 2024, when the port processed 7,792,069 TEUs, and reinforces Colombo’s position as the leading container hub in South Asia. The year-on-year growth reflects
- [Bangladesh’s Hour of Truth](https://slguardian.org/bangladeshs-hour-of-truth/) - “Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.” — Buddha Those who wield falsehood and deceit often imagine that a single lie can obscure an entire reality, that a meticulously crafted fiction can dictate history itself. Lies may seize transient victories, dazzle perception, and confound cognition for a fleeting instant.
- [AI Memory Crunch Sets Stage for Pricier Phones and PCs](https://slguardian.org/ai-memory-crunch-sets-stage-for-pricier-phones-and-pcs/) - A growing global shortage of memory chips is tightening the electronics supply chain and is likely to make smartphones and personal computers more expensive from 2026, according to new analysis by IDC. The consultancy links the problem directly to surging demand for memory used in artificial intelligence infrastructure, which is absorbing a growing share of
- [AI Push Puts 200,000 European Bank Jobs at Risk](https://slguardian.org/ai-push-puts-200000-european-bank-jobs-at-risk/) - More than 200,000 banking jobs in Europe could disappear over the next five years as lenders accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence and continue to shift customers toward digital channels, according to estimates cited by the Financial Times. The forecast, based on analysis by Morgan Stanley, suggests that banks could cut around 10 percent of
- [Cocaine Flood and Contract Killers Shake Europe’s Security](https://slguardian.org/cocaine-flood-and-contract-killers-shake-europes-security/) - Criminal drug gangs have become a serious and growing threat to Europe’s internal security, exploiting a surge in South American cocaine, corrupting public officials, and deploying hired assassins as part of increasingly sophisticated operations, according to the European Union’s drugs agency. In comments to the Financial Times, Alexis Goosdeel, the outgoing director of the EU
- [Xi Jinping Signals China’s Ambitious Global Agenda in Year of the Horse](https://slguardian.org/xi-jinping-signals-chinas-ambitious-global-agenda-in-year-of-the-horse/) - Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a sweeping New Year address on December 31, 2025, signaling China’s determination to expand its global influence while reinforcing domestic stability and technological self-reliance. Speaking from the Presidential Office in Beijing, Xi sought to position China as a confident, assertive actor on the world stage as the country enters the
- [Exclusive: Israel Fast-Tracks Trade Ties with India; Ambassador Speaks](https://slguardian.org/exclusive-israel-fast-tracks-trade-ties-with-india-ambassador-speaks/) - Ambassador Reuven Azar is a seasoned Israeli diplomat with a distinguished career spanning several decades in public service. Born in Argentina and moving to Israel at the age of thirteen, he grew up in a deeply Jewish and Zionist household, which shaped his lifelong commitment to serving his country. Following his military service in the
- [Israel Used Explosive-Laden APCs in Gaza, Reuters Investigation Reveals](https://slguardian.org/israel-used-explosive-laden-apcs-in-gaza-reuters-investigation-reveals/) - In the six weeks leading up to the October 10 ceasefire, Israel extensively deployed M113 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) packed with between one and three tons of explosives, according to a Reuters investigation. The use of these vehicles, combined with airstrikes and armored bulldozers, devastated large portions of Gaza City, particularly the Tel-al-Hawa and Sabra
- [Meta Used “Ad Library” to Mask Scam Ads](https://slguardian.org/meta-used-ad-library-to-mask-scam-ads/) - Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, took deliberate steps to reduce the visibility of fraudulent advertisements to regulators, internal documents reviewed by Reuters show. The effort, first observed in Japan last year, involved removing scam ads from search results in the company’s publicly searchable Ad Library, a tool designed to increase transparency for users
- [USDA Announces $12 Billion Farm Aid, Soybean Growers Call It Insufficient](https://slguardian.org/usda-announces-12-billion-farm-aid-soybean-growers-call-it-insufficient/) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Wednesday released details of the Farmer Bridge Assistance program, a $12 billion aid package aimed at helping row crop farmers recover from losses caused by falling prices and disrupted trade. The program will distribute $11 billion in one-time payments based on the number of acres planted in 19 eligible
- [Taiwan Pledges Stronger Defense as China Conducts Rocket Drills](https://slguardian.org/taiwan-pledges-stronger-defense-as-china-conducts-rocket-drills/) - Taiwan President Lai Ching-te on Thursday reaffirmed the island’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and strengthening its military capabilities in response to China’s increasing regional assertiveness. The remarks came shortly after Beijing conducted rocket launches directed toward Taiwan during a military drill, raising concerns across the international community. In his New Year speech broadcast live
- [India Hikes Cigarette Taxes, Prices Set to Rise for 100 Million Smokers](https://slguardian.org/india-hikes-cigarette-taxes-prices-set-to-rise-for-100-million-smokers/) - India has introduced a new excise duty on cigarettes, ranging from 2,050 to 8,500 rupees ($22.8–$94.5) per thousand sticks depending on product length, the finance ministry announced late Wednesday. The levy, effective February 1, is expected to raise prices for an estimated 100 million smokers in the country. The move follows the December approval of
- [Oil Prices End 2025 on Weak Note, Set for Largest Annual Drop Since 2020](https://slguardian.org/oil-prices-end-2025-on-weak-note-set-for-largest-annual-drop-since-2020/) - Oil prices were little changed on Wednesday, but both Brent and U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) are set to finish 2025 with steep annual losses, Reuters reports. Brent crude futures rose 11 cents to $61.44 a barrel, while WTI gained 11 cents to $58.06. Despite these modest gains, Brent is on track for an 18%
- [“Zootopia 2” Breaks Box Office Records, Surpasses “Frozen 2”](https://slguardian.org/zootopia-2-breaks-box-office-records-surpasses-frozen-2/) - “Zootopia 2” has become Walt Disney Animation Studios’ highest-grossing film ever, surpassing 2019’s “Frozen 2,” the company announced Wednesday. The animated sequel has earned approximately $1.46 billion globally, marking it as the fifth Disney animated feature to cross the $1 billion milestone. The film’s success has been particularly pronounced in China, where it has grossed
- [Neuralink to Scale Up Brain Implants with Automated Surgery in 2026](https://slguardian.org/neuralink-to-scale-up-brain-implants-with-automated-surgery-in-2026/) - Elon Musk’s company Neuralink will begin “high-volume production” of its brain-computer interface (BCI) devices and transition to fully automated surgical implantation in 2026, Musk announced Wednesday on the social media platform X. The move marks a significant step toward making the technology more widely available to patients with severe neurological conditions. The implants are designed
- [Night Raids, Arrests, and Rising Tensions Mark Iran’s New Year](https://slguardian.org/night-raids-arrests-and-rising-tensions-mark-irans-new-year/) - Tehran witnessed a series of tense developments as Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence conducted a nighttime raid at the dormitory of Shahid Beheshti University, arresting several students suspected of collaborating with foreign agencies and planning riots in the coming days. The operation reportedly caused panic among witnesses, including female students who screamed upon seeing the arrests.
- [When Food Became a Weapon](https://slguardian.org/when-food-became-a-weapon/) - In the decades following World War II, US food aid programs were promoted as humanitarian lifelines for newly independent and crisis-stricken nations. But historical accounts and critics argue that these initiatives often came at a steep human and political cost, particularly across the Global South. Central to this debate is Public Law 480, known as
- [Your Earbuds Are Learning to Read Your Mind](https://slguardian.org/your-earbuds-are-learning-to-read-your-mind/) - Consumer technology is entering a new phase in which devices once used solely for entertainment are beginning to monitor the most intimate human signals: brain activity itself. A growing number of earbuds and headphones now incorporate in-ear EEG sensors capable of recording neural data, quietly transforming everyday audio accessories into tools for cognitive tracking. This
- [Can Pakistan Survive the Climate Crisis?](https://slguardian.org/can-pakistan-survive-the-climate-crisis/) - Climate change has compounded natural disasters, making them increasingly complex and challenging to manage as security issues, particularly for climate-vulnerable states with inadequate infrastructure. Pakistan, one of the countries most exposed to climate risks over the past two decades, has experienced regular floods, heatwaves, earthquakes, and glacial incidents. Pakistan’s disaster management framework, viewed through the
- [The Queen of Songs in Lanka: Reflections and Experiences](https://slguardian.org/the-queen-of-songs-in-lanka-reflections-and-experiences/) - The passing away of veteran singer Mrs Latha Walpola, "The Queen of Songs of Lanka", has created an unfillable void in the Lankan music world. The boundless body of creations she gifted to Sri Lankan singing culture will remain as a cultural heritage of ours. Her melodious voice and her singing ability, which won hearts
- [Somalia Warns of “Pandora’s Box” Over Alleged Somaliland–Israel Deal](https://slguardian.org/somalia-warns-of-pandoras-box-over-alleged-somaliland-israel-deal/) - Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has issued a stark warning, claiming that intelligence gathered by his government indicates Somaliland has agreed to a set of far-reaching demands from Israel that could dramatically alter political and security dynamics in the Horn of Africa and beyond. Speaking publicly, Mohamud said the alleged arrangements, if implemented, would open
- [Israel Moves to Suspend Dozens of Aid Groups in Gaza](https://slguardian.org/israel-moves-to-suspend-dozens-of-aid-groups-in-gaza/) - Israel has announced it will suspend the operations of more than two dozen humanitarian organizations in Gaza starting January 1, 2026, a move that will affect an estimated 25 to 38 groups, or roughly 15% of the nongovernmental organizations currently active in the territory. The decision marks a significant tightening of Israel’s oversight of aid
- [The New Year We Inherit](https://slguardian.org/the-new-year-we-inherit/) - Editorial The New Year arrives with its familiar trick: a new number that politely suggests improvement without requiring it. Calendars change obediently; behaviour less so. Optimism is briefly reheated, promises are generously exchanged, and by the time the first bank holiday appears, most ambitions have quietly returned to storage. Still, this annual performance persists because
- [China Tightens the Noose Around Taiwan](https://slguardian.org/china-tightens-the-noose-around-taiwan/) - China has encircled Taiwan with one of its most expansive and coordinated military exercises to date, conducting large-scale live-fire drills over the past 48 hours that simulated the seizure of key ports, precision strikes, and leadership decapitation operations. The drills, branded “Justice Mission 2025” by the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theater Command, marked a sharp
- [China Mandates Homegrown Chip Gear in Major Break from Foreign Tech](https://slguardian.org/china-mandates-homegrown-chip-gear-in-major-break-from-foreign-tech/) - China is quietly imposing a sweeping new requirement on its semiconductor industry, forcing chipmakers to use at least 50% domestically produced equipment when adding new manufacturing capacity, according to three people familiar with the policy. The measure, reported by Reuters, underscores Beijing’s determination to build a self-sufficient chip supply chain amid tightening U.S. technology restrictions.
- [The Reactionary Backwash of 2025](https://slguardian.org/the-reactionary-backwash-of-2025/) - 2025 saw progressive governments in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) delegitimized and displaced. Right-wing forces have seized on drug-related crises to attack the so-called Pink Tide governments, driving a reactionary backwash and putting new, neoliberal administrations in power. The irony is that the rise in drug use and crime is driven by neoliberalism’s failure
- [Why Somaliland Matters Now](https://slguardian.org/why-somaliland-matters-now/) - Israel is on the hot seat—not for Gaza, or Iran, or even for attacks on Syria or Lebanon. No, Israel is on the hot seat for being the first country to establish formal diplomatic relations with Somaliland. Huh? Israel has had close, informal relations with Somaliland for decades, as have the United States, the United
- [Metacognition and AI](https://slguardian.org/metacognition-and-ai/) - It all makes more sense when I'm out here alone," he smiled. "I can talk myself into anything.”― Pat Conroy, The Prince of Tides As the world edges toward 2026, it is tempting for corporate and institutional managers to believe that performance will be measured almost exclusively by technological adeptness, speed of execution, and the capacity
- [Saudi--- UAE Rift Explodes in Yemen](https://slguardian.org/saudi-uae-rift-explodes-in-yemen/) - The Saudi-Emirati partnership that once anchored the war effort in Yemen is fracturing after a deadly attack on Emirati-linked ships at the port of Mukalla in Hadramaut province. Riyadh has accused Abu Dhabi of endangering Saudi security and issued a stark ultimatum demanding the withdrawal of all UAE forces from Yemen within 24 hours, along
- [The War Russia Wanted](https://slguardian.org/the-war-russia-wanted/) - After its emergence from the Soviet collapse, the new Russia grappled with the complex issue of developing a national identity that could embrace the radical contradictions of Russia’s past and foster integration with the West while maintaining Russian distinctiveness. The Ukraine War has significantly changed public attitudes toward this question, and led to a consolidation
- [When the Rial Broke](https://slguardian.org/when-the-rial-broke/) - In the closing days of December 2025, Iran was shaken by its most serious wave of public unrest since the nationwide protests of 2022. The immediate trigger was a dramatic collapse of the national currency. On December 28, the Iranian Rial fell to a historic low of about 1.42 million to the USD on the
- [Refugees as Enemies](https://slguardian.org/refugees-as-enemies/) - On December 27, local authorities in the Swabi District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province in Pakistan issued official notices ordering Afghan refugees residing in the Barakai Afghan and Gandaf Afghan camps to evacuate immediately and return to Afghanistan. The decision is part of Pakistan's broader policy to completely clear Afghan refugee camps by December 30,
- [Chinese Stocks Poised for Strongest Year Since 2017 as Rally Broadens Beyond Tech](https://slguardian.org/chinese-stocks-poised-for-strongest-year-since-2017-as-rally-broadens-beyond-tech/) - Chinese equities are on track for their strongest annual performance since 2017, as a technology-led bull market widened to include sectors ranging from gold mining to biotechnology, according to data and analysis cited by Bloomberg. The MSCI China Index has climbed about 28% so far this year, putting it on course for a second straight
- [China’s Shadow LNG Fleet Keeps Russian Gas Flowing Despite Western Sanctions](https://slguardian.org/chinas-shadow-lng-fleet-keeps-russian-gas-flowing-despite-western-sanctions/) - China has quietly built a covert network of liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers that is allowing sanctioned Russian gas to reach Chinese ports, blunting Western efforts to choke off one of Moscow’s most important revenue streams, according to an extensive Bloomberg investigation published this week. A clandestine lifeline for Moscow Bloomberg reports that the operation
- [Sydney Bondi Beach shooting suspects acted alone, police say](https://slguardian.org/sydney-bondi-beach-shooting-suspects-acted-alone-police-say/) - Two gunmen accused of opening fire on a Jewish celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach earlier this month acted alone and were not part of a broader militant network, Australian police said on Tuesday. The attack, which took place during a Hanukkah event on December 14, left 15 people dead in the country’s worst mass shooting
- [Trump claims Netanyahu pardon is imminent as Herzog’s office pushes back](https://slguardian.org/trump-claims-netanyahu-pardon-is-imminent-as-herzogs-office-pushes-back/) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that Israeli President Isaac Herzog had told him a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was “on its way,” a claim swiftly denied by Herzog’s office, according to Reuters. The comments came as Trump hosted Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida for talks spanning Israel’s legal crisis,
- [A New Axis in South Asia](https://slguardian.org/a-new-axis-in-south-asia/) - The emerging rapprochement among China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh has shifted the strategic equation in South Asia. This development is shocking to the international observers, as at the time of the ousted prime minister, Hasina Wajid, Bangladesh had close relations with India, but the trajectory of those relations is now changing. Various factors have driven this
- [Bukele signals bid to stay in power for another decade](https://slguardian.org/bukele-signals-bid-to-stay-in-power-for-another-decade/) - El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has said he is open to remaining in power for another 10 years, a statement that has reignited debate over constitutional limits and democratic norms in the Central American country. In a video interview published on Monday, Bukele said that if the decision were up to him, he would continue
- [Coupang offers $1.18 billion compensation after massive data leak](https://slguardian.org/coupang-offers-1-18-billion-compensation-after-massive-data-leak/) - South Korean e-commerce giant Coupang announced on Monday a compensation package worth 1.69 trillion won, or about $1.18 billion, for users affected by a major data breach, according to Reuters. The plan covers roughly 33.7 million customer accounts and follows intense public and political criticism over the scale of the leak. Under the proposal, affected
- [Nvidia completes $5 billion Intel stake deal](https://slguardian.org/nvidia-completes-5-billion-intel-stake-deal/) - Nvidia has completed its previously announced purchase of Intel shares worth $5 billion, finalizing a deal first revealed in September, according to a regulatory filing cited by Reuters. The transaction marks a significant investment by the world’s most valuable semiconductor company into a longtime industry rival that has struggled with costly expansion plans and strategic
- [Hyundai unlikely to reclaim Russia plant as buyback deadline nears](https://slguardian.org/hyundai-unlikely-to-reclaim-russia-plant-as-buyback-deadline-nears/) - Hyundai Motor is not in a position to repurchase its former manufacturing plant in Russia as the deadline for a buyback option approaches, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters. The option, included when the South Korean automaker sold the facility in 2024, is set to expire in January amid the continuing war in
- [PLA launches large-scale drills around Taiwan as tensions sharpen](https://slguardian.org/pla-launches-large-scale-drills-around-taiwan-as-tensions-sharpen/) - China’s People’s Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command has launched major joint military exercises around Taiwan, describing them as a “legitimate and necessary action” to safeguard national sovereignty and unity. The drills, code-named Justice Mission 2025, began on Monday and involve coordinated operations by the PLA’s Army, Navy, Air Force, and Rocket Force in the Taiwan
- [China unveils revolutionary liquid air power plant](https://slguardian.org/china-unveils-revolutionary-liquid-air-power-plant/) - China is building a groundbreaking liquid air energy storage facility known as the Super Air Power Bank, developed by China Green Development Investment Group in the Gobi Desert, Qinghai province. The plant aims to store energy by liquefying air at extremely low temperatures and releasing it to generate electricity on demand, offering a potential breakthrough
- [Netanyahu and Elon Musk discuss AI and autonomous transport cooperation](https://slguardian.org/netanyahu-and-elon-musk-discuss-ai-and-autonomous-transport-cooperation/) - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a conference call on Sunday with Elon Musk, who agreed to participate in Israel’s Smart Transportation Conference scheduled for March. The call took place while Netanyahu was in Florida and included Transportation Minister Miri Regev and Erez Eskel, head of the National AI Directorate. During the discussion, Musk accepted an
- [German man discovers he is Heinrich Himmler’s grandson](https://slguardian.org/german-man-discovers-he-is-heinrich-himmlers-grandson/) - A 47-year-old German man has revealed that his biological maternal grandfather was Heinrich Himmler, one of the most powerful figures in Nazi Germany and a chief architect of the Holocaust. Henrik Lenkait disclosed the discovery for the first time in an interview with Sky News, describing it as a life-altering shock that forced him to
- [Leslie Wexner: Empire Builder Entangled with Epstein](https://slguardian.org/leslie-wexner-empire-builder-entangled-with-epstein/) - Leslie Wexner, the founder of a multibillion-dollar apparel empire and once-celebrated businessman, now faces scrutiny for his long-standing relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Despite his public image as a devoted family man, questions about his ties to Epstein have cast a shadow over his legacy. Their connection began in the late 1980s, with Wexner granting Epstein
- [Israel deploys Iron Beam laser defense amid growing doubts](https://slguardian.org/israel-deploys-iron-beam-laser-defense-amid-growing-doubts/) - Israel’s defense ministry has delivered the first Iron Beam laser interception system to the Israel Defense Forces, formally introducing Rafael Advanced Defense Systems’ long-promised directed-energy weapon into military service. The move marks a milestone in Israel’s air defense ambitions, as officials present Iron Beam as a low-cost complement to missile-based systems such as Iron Dome.
- [Hamas confirms death of senior spokesman Abu Obaida](https://slguardian.org/hamas-confirms-death-of-senior-spokesman-abu-obaida/) - Hamas’ military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, has officially announced the death of its senior spokesman, Hudaifa Samir Abdullah al-Kahlout, known as Abu Obaida, along with the deaths of other prominent figures including Mohammed al-Sinwar, Mohammed Shabana, Raed Saad, and Abu Omar al-Syrian. Abu Obaida was widely recognized as a leading voice of Hamas and a
- [China’s One Trillion Dollar Surplus America Misread](https://slguardian.org/chinas-one-trillion-dollar-surplus-america-misread/) - In the first 11 months of 2025, China’s trade surplus surpassed one trillion dollars, setting a new record in global trade history. This has baffled Western media: after years of trade wars, waves of tariffs, and a slowing global economy, how did China rack up a trillion-dollar surplus? Even more puzzling, Chinese exports to the U.S.
- [Decapitation in Kandhamal](https://slguardian.org/decapitation-in-kandhamal/) - On December 25, 2025, Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) 'commander' and 'Central Committee Member (CCM)' Ganesh Uike aka Rupa aka Rajesh Tiwari aka Chamu aka Pakka Hanumantu (69), who carried an INR 11 million bounty on his head, was among four Maoists killed in an encounter with Security Forces (SFs) in a forest area under Chakapada Police Station limits in the Kandhamal District
- [The Taliban’s Northern Failure](https://slguardian.org/the-talibans-northern-failure/) - On December 23, 2025, at least five security personnel, including three Afghan nationals and two Tajikistan Border Guards, were killed in a cross-border armed clash along the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border, highlighting persistent instability along Afghanistan's northern frontiers. Tajikistan's State Committee for National Security confirmed that two of its border guards were killed after armed assailants opened
- [The Architect of a Calculated Tragedy](https://slguardian.org/the-architect-of-a-calculated-tragedy/) - by Eric McNamara at War: A New History, written by Philip Taubman and William Taubman, is not merely another biography of Robert S. McNamara, nor is it a conventional re-litigation of the Vietnam War. It is, more unsettlingly, an autopsy of modern technocratic power, written with the cold patience of historians who understand that moral
- [Civil Aviation in 2026 --- Reimagining Its International Nature](https://slguardian.org/civil-aviation-in-2026-reimagining-its-international-nature/) - The World in 2025 In 2025, the global civil aviation system was once again reminded of the inescapable reality that the skies, while governed by law and sustained by international cooperation, are never insulated from the vicissitudes of geopolitics and security concerns. The closure of airspace over critical regions and the temporary interruptions of flight
- [Who Owns Assam’s Past?](https://slguardian.org/who-owns-assams-past/) - by Luxman It is an early twentieth-century work by Edward Gait, first published in 1926, shaped by the intellectual and imperial assumptions of its time. A History of Assam is not simply a regional chronicle; it is an act of historical power, a work that simultaneously constructs Assam as a knowable entity and disciplines it into the
- [Breaking: Ukraine Attempted to Assassinate Putin, Russia Claims](https://slguardian.org/breaking-ukraine-attempted-to-assassinate-putin-russia-claims/) - Russia has accused Ukraine of attempting to assassinate President Vladimir Putin by launching a large-scale drone attack on a state residence linked to him in the Novgorod region, Russian officials said overnight into December 29. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed the allegation, claiming that Ukrainian forces used 91 drones in the attempted strike. According to
- [Scams on the Move](https://slguardian.org/scams-on-the-move/) - South-east Asia has become the “ground zero” for the global online scamming industry, according to the UN, costing victims billions of US dollars each year. Scam operations are run by Chinese crime syndicates from fortified compounds in countries like Myanmar, which has been embroiled in a nationwide armed conflict since 2021. The size of the
- [B.B. Unbound](https://slguardian.org/b-b-unbound/) - Brigitte Bardot’s death, at the age of 91, brings to a close one of the most extraordinary careers in post-war French cultural life. Best known as an actress, she was also a singer, a fashion icon, an animal rights activist and a symbol of France’s sexual liberation. Famous enough to be known by her initials, B.B.
- [China’s LandSpace Aims to Rival SpaceX with Reusable Rockets](https://slguardian.org/chinas-landspace-aims-to-rival-spacex-with-reusable-rockets/) - China’s rocket startup LandSpace, long inspired by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is stepping into the spotlight after conducting the country’s first reusable rocket test earlier this month, Reuters reports. Although the maiden flight of its Zhuque-3 rocket ended in failure, the effort signals China’s growing push to develop low-cost, reusable launch vehicles and challenge state-owned aerospace
- [Nepal’s Young Leaders Form Alliance to Challenge Political Giants](https://slguardian.org/nepals-young-leaders-form-alliance-to-challenge-political-giants/) - Two popular figures in Nepalese politics have joined forces ahead of the March 5 parliamentary elections, setting up a potential challenge to parties that have dominated the Himalayan nation for more than three decades, party officials and analysts told Reuters on Monday. Balendra Shah, widely known as Balen, a rapper-turned-Kathmandu mayor, has joined the Rastriya
- [India Seeks $30 Billion from Reliance and BP Over Failed Gas Fields](https://slguardian.org/india-seeks-30-billion-from-reliance-and-bp-over-failed-gas-fields/) - India is demanding over $30 billion in compensation from Reliance Industries and BP in an arbitration case over gas the companies allegedly failed to produce from offshore fields, Reuters has reported for the first time. The dispute centers on the D1 and D3 deepwater fields in the Krishna Godavari basin, with hearings before a three-member
- [Kim Jong Un Showcases Missile Might in West Sea Drill](https://slguardian.org/kim-jong-un-showcases-missile-might-in-west-sea-drill/) - Pyongyang said on December 29 that it conducted a long-range strategic cruise missile launching drill a day earlier in the West Sea of Korea, with leader Kim Jong Un personally overseeing the exercise, according to the Korean Central News Agency. The drill was aimed at testing the counter-offensive response posture and combat capability of long-range
- [Interview: Living with an Unfinished Partition](https://slguardian.org/interview-living-with-an-unfinished-partition/) - Ambassador Satish Chandra, a 1965-batch Indian Foreign Service officer and current Vice Chairman of the Vivekananda International Foundation in New Delhi, belongs to a generation of diplomats whose professional lives unfolded alongside some of the most decisive moments in South Asia’s political history. Over a career that included serving as India’s Permanent Representative to the
- [China Launches Large-Scale “Justice Mission 2025” Drills Around Taiwan](https://slguardian.org/china-launches-large-scale-justice-mission-2025-drills-around-taiwan/) - The Presidential Office in Taiwan today condemned China’s latest military actions as destabilizing, after the Chinese military deployed army, navy, air force and rocket force units around Taiwan as part of its “Justice Mission 2025” exercises. China’s Eastern Theater Command said the drills were aimed at testing combat readiness and issuing a “stern warning” against
- [Three Senior Chinese Military Officers Expelled Amid Anti-Corruption Sweep](https://slguardian.org/three-senior-chinese-military-officers-expelled-amid-anti-corruption-sweep/) - China has expelled three top-ranking military officers from the National People’s Congress, marking the latest developments in an ongoing anti-corruption campaign within the People’s Liberation Army. The Standing Committee of the NPC announced on Saturday that Wang Renhua, head of the Central Military Commission’s Political and Legal Affairs Committee; Zhang Hongbing, political commissar of the
- [Chinese Scientists Develop Smart Surface to Harness Radar for Power and 6G](https://slguardian.org/chinese-scientists-develop-smart-surface-to-harness-radar-for-power-and-6g/) - Researchers at Xidian University in China have developed a “smart surface” capable of converting electromagnetic waves into usable electricity, a breakthrough that could revolution electronic warfare and next-generation 6G wireless communication. According to the team, the innovation integrates wireless information transfer with energy harvesting, potentially allowing future stealth aircraft to use radar beams as a
- [China Accelerates Modernization of Secret Nuclear Facilities Amid Global Arms Race](https://slguardian.org/china-accelerates-modernization-of-secret-nuclear-facilities-amid-global-arms-race/) - China has stepped up the modernization of its secret nuclear facilities, according to a report by The Washington Post citing satellite imagery and expert assessments. The upgrades are part of Beijing’s efforts to enhance its nuclear response capabilities and update key elements of its infrastructure that had previously eluded international scrutiny. Experts from the Austrian
- [Zelensky Takes Sweeping Peace Blueprint to Trump Talks](https://slguardian.org/zelenskiy-takes-sweeping-peace-blueprint-to-trump-talks/) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to place a draft 20-point peace framework at the centre of high-stakes talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday, in what could become the most comprehensive attempt yet to outline an end to the war with Russia. According to Reuters, Zelensky has said the proposal could
- [FBI Documents Reveal Secrets Behind Jeffrey Epstein’s Great St. James Island](https://slguardian.org/fbi-documents-reveal-secrets-behind-jeffrey-epsteins-great-st-james-island/) - A recently disclosed Justice Department document references Great St. James, the sprawling 67-hectare (165-acre) Caribbean island tied to Jeffrey Epstein, raising questions about why the FBI reportedly did not investigate the property until after Epstein’s August 2019 death. The island, which has received little media attention until now, was confirmed publicly as Epstein’s in July
- [The UAE’s Pakistan Pivot](https://slguardian.org/the-uaes-pakistan-pivot/) - On December 26, 2025, the world witnessed a historic moment as UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Pakistan, marking a new chapter in the longstanding and fraternal relationship between the two nations. This visit, celebrated with great significance, underscored the enduring bond between the UAE and Pakistan, rooted in shared religious
- [The End of Global America](https://slguardian.org/the-end-of-global-america/) - If there was a single theme tying American foreign policy together in 2025, it would be a decisive shift away from the rhetoric of ‘global leadership’ toward an unapologetic assertion of privilege within its own geopolitical neighborhood. Donald Trump is ending the year much as he began it, signalling that Washington intends to redefine the way
- [AI Chatbots Under Scrutiny as Doctors Warn of Psychosis Link](https://slguardian.org/ai-chatbots-under-scrutiny-as-doctors-warn-of-psychosis-link/) - Top psychiatrists are increasingly raising alarms that extended use of artificial-intelligence chatbots may be linked to cases of psychosis, according to reporting by the Wall Street Journal. Over the past nine months, doctors say they have seen or reviewed dozens of patients who developed delusional symptoms after long, immersive conversations with AI tools such as
- [2026 Outlook: Big Companies Plan to Freeze Hiring](https://slguardian.org/2026-outlook-big-companies-plan-to-freeze-hiring/) - As companies sketch out plans for 2026, one message is becoming clear: they don’t intend to hire. According to reporting by the Wall Street Journal, large employers are preparing to hold their workforces steady or even shrink them, betting that technology and caution are better investments than expanding payrolls. At a recent gathering of chief
- [Israel’s War Sparks Talent Exodus Fears in Tech Sector](https://slguardian.org/israels-war-sparks-talent-exodus-fears-in-tech-sector/) - Requests by Israeli employees to relocate abroad have surged over the past year at multinational companies operating in Israel, reflecting growing unease triggered by the country’s two-year war with Palestinian militant group Hamas. According to a new industry report cited by Reuters, more than half of companies surveyed said they had seen an increase in
- [Bangladesh Protest Party Aligns With Islamists, Triggering Backlash](https://slguardian.org/bangladesh-protest-party-aligns-with-islamists-triggering-backlash/) - A student-led political party that emerged from the protest movement which ousted Bangladesh’s former prime minister Sheikh Hasina has struck an electoral alliance with Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami, a move that has sparked internal divisions and controversy ahead of February’s parliamentary election. The development was reported by Reuters. The National Citizen Party, or NCP, was formed
- [Japan’s Birth Rate Set to Break Even the Bleakest Forecasts](https://slguardian.org/japans-birth-rate-set-to-break-even-the-bleakest-forecasts/) - Japan’s demographic crisis is deepening faster than expected, with the number of births this year on track to fall below even the government’s most pessimistic projections. According to analysis reported by the Financial Times, preliminary data suggest the total number of Japanese babies born in 2025 is likely to drop below 670,000, a level never
- [Satellite Images Reveal Rapid Expansion of Strategic Air Base in Somaliland](https://slguardian.org/satellite-images-reveal-rapid-expansion-of-strategic-air-base-in-somaliland/) - Commercial satellite imagery analyzed by open-source intelligence investigators shows a significant expansion of military infrastructure at and around the Berbera air base in Somaliland over the past three months, underscoring the territory’s growing strategic importance following Israel’s recent recognition. The images reveal extensive excavation work, the construction of new facilities believed to include ammunition depots,
- [UK Files Reveal Systematic Cover-Up of Colonial Crimes](https://slguardian.org/uk-files-reveal-systematic-cover-up-of-colonial-crimes/) - Britain carried out a covert, systematic effort to destroy or conceal evidence of colonial-era atrocities as its empire moved toward independence in the 1950s, according to historical records and court findings that have gradually come to light. The policy, known internally as “Operation Legacy,” was designed to prevent future governments and the public from uncovering
- [Reports Raise Questions After Tomahawk Missiles Fail in Nigeria Strike](https://slguardian.org/reports-raise-questions-after-tomahawk-missiles-fail-in-nigeria-strike/) - Open-source intelligence analysts say a significant number of U.S. Tomahawk cruise missiles fired into northern Nigeria on December 25 failed to explode, raising questions about both the operation and the reliability of one of Washington’s most widely used precision weapons. Based on online imagery and forensic comparisons, investigators estimate that at least three of the
- [Musk Claims Taxpayer Funds Are Being Abused Through “Fake” NGOs](https://slguardian.org/musk-claims-taxpayer-funds-are-being-abused-through-fake-ngos/) - Elon Musk has alleged that taxpayer money is being routinely misused through so-called nonprofit organizations, claiming that politicians and bureaucrats are channeling public funds into entities that face little oversight and accountability. Speaking in a recent interview, Musk said the practice is widespread and enables insiders to finance extravagant personal lifestyles at public expense. Musk
- [British intelligence rewrites the rules after Boris Johnson becomes unreachable](https://slguardian.org/british-intelligence-rewrites-the-rules-after-boris-johnson-becomes-unreachable/) - Boris Johnson’s habit of being “unavailable” forced a major update to the rules governing British intelligence operations, according to a newly released report. The Times UK reports that during Johnson’s premiership from July 2019 to September 2022, MI5 and MI6 often struggled to contact him to approve sensitive espionage involving members of parliament. The issue
- [Child Marriages Surge in Iraq Following Legal Changes, Activists Warn](https://slguardian.org/child-marriages-surge-in-iraq-following-legal-changes-activists-warn/) - Dozens of underage girls in Iraq are reportedly being married under newly amended personal status laws, raising alarms among human rights groups and women’s rights activists. According to reporting by Times UK, girls as young as nine are being married in the capital’s Sadr City district and other areas under the Ja’fari religious law, despite
- [Lawsuit thrusts little-known actor into Hollywood spotlight](https://slguardian.org/lawsuit-thrusts-little-known-actor-into-hollywood-spotlight/) - Mario Rodriguez was largely unknown beyond casting circles until his name emerged in a lawsuit that has sent ripples through Hollywood, placing an aspiring actor at the center of a high-profile legal and cultural confrontation. Rodriguez has filed a civil suit in California accusing filmmaker and media mogul Tyler Perry of sexual assault, sexual battery
- [Russian submarines shadow spy ship in UK waters, raising sabotage fears](https://slguardian.org/russian-submarines-shadow-spy-ship-in-uk-waters-raising-sabotage-fears/) - British defence officials have revealed that Russian submarines are being deployed alongside the Moscow-based spy vessel Yantar to monitor and potentially sabotage critical undersea infrastructure near the UK, according to a report in Times UK. The operations, first observed in November last year, included a submarine shadowing the Yantar as it surveyed a gas pipeline
- [Sri Lanka’s Old War in a New Colombo](https://slguardian.org/sri-lankas-old-war-in-a-new-colombo/) - “The Colombo Municipal Council is ours. The green flag has always flown over the Colombo Municipal Council. Can we turn a blind eye to this by handing it over to the leftists…?” This is what the then Prime Minister and UNP leader, Sir John Kotelawala, said in 1955, trembling with anger. Sir John was furious
- [Russia presses ahead with energy, technology and infrastructure ambitions in 2025](https://slguardian.org/russia-presses-ahead-with-energy-technology-and-infrastructure-ambitions-in-2025/) - Russia has used 2025 to press ahead with a broad set of economic, technological and strategic initiatives, underscoring its determination to pursue long-term development despite sanctions, geopolitical strain and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Strengthening ties with Asian partners has been central to Moscow’s strategy. Relations with China deepened further with progress on the Power
- [UK arms exports surge to record £20bn amid global conflicts](https://slguardian.org/uk-arms-exports-surge-to-record-20bn-amid-global-conflicts/) - The United Kingdom recorded its highest-ever arms exports in 2025, with overseas shipments of defense goods reaching £20 billion, according to figures released by the British Ministry of Defence. The total marks a record since the government began tracking such data in 1983. In a statement issued on Friday, the ministry said the surge reflects
- [JP Morgan quote goes viral as guide to tackling financial stress](https://slguardian.org/jp-morgan-quote-goes-viral-as-guide-to-tackling-financial-stress/) - A quote attributed to legendary financier JP Morgan is gaining renewed attention for its relevance to modern financial and personal stress, with The Economic Times highlighting how clearly defining problems can be the first step toward solving them. The quote, widely shared and recently featured by the Economic Times, argues that problems are rarely overwhelming
- [Indian Army intensifies winter offensive against militants in Jammu region](https://slguardian.org/indian-army-intensifies-winter-offensive-against-militants-in-jammu-region/) - The Indian Army has significantly expanded its counter-terrorism operations across the Kishtwar and Doda districts of Jammu and Kashmir, pressing ahead through freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall to pursue Pakistani terrorists seeking refuge in the region’s higher mountain reaches, defence sources said. According to assessments by multiple intelligence agencies, around 30 to 35 Pakistani terrorists
- [China’s industrial profits sink as overcapacity bites](https://slguardian.org/chinas-industrial-profits-sink-as-overcapacity-bites/) - China’s industrial profits fell at their fastest pace in more than a year in November, highlighting the mounting pressure on policymakers as they grapple with overcapacity, weak consumer confidence and slowing domestic demand. Profits at industrial firms with annual revenues above 20 million yuan fell 13.1 percent from a year earlier, according to data released
- [Myanmar junta stages election amid war and repression](https://slguardian.org/myanmar-junta-stages-election-amid-war-and-repression/) - Myanmar’s military government pressed ahead with a long-delayed general election on Sunday, holding the first round of voting amid a civil war, widespread displacement and an ongoing humanitarian crisis. It is the country’s first nationwide election in five years and the first since the army seized power in a 2021 coup that overthrew the elected
- [Mossad-linked Somaliland deal sparks backlash across Arab and Islamic world](https://slguardian.org/mossad-role-emerges-in-israels-somaliland-recognition-move/) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has acknowledged the role of the Mossad in Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, a move that has triggered strong condemnation from Arab and Islamic countries and raised concerns over regional stability. In a statement posted on his official X account on Friday, Netanyahu thanked Foreign Minister
- [Saudi-UAE tensions flare in Yemen power struggle](https://slguardian.org/saudi-uae-tensions-flare-in-yemen-power-struggle/) - Tensions between Yemeni factions backed by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have sharply escalated, raising concerns that rivalry between the two Gulf powers could spill into open confrontation on Yemeni soil. UAE-backed separatist forces known as the Southern Transitional Council said Saudi Royal Air Force jets carried out warning flights over their positions
- [China moves to rein in emotionally interactive AI](https://slguardian.org/china-moves-to-rein-in-emotionally-interactive-ai/) - China’s cyber regulator has released draft rules seeking to tighten control over artificial intelligence services designed to simulate human personalities and engage users emotionally, marking a new step in Beijing’s effort to shape the fast-growing consumer AI sector. Issued on Saturday for public comment, the proposal reflects growing official concern about the social, psychological and
- [Italy arrests suspects over alleged Hamas funding network](https://slguardian.org/italy-arrests-suspects-over-alleged-hamas-funding-network/) - Italian prosecutors have arrested nine people on suspicion of financing Hamas through charity organisations operating in Italy, in an operation coordinated by anti-mafia and anti-terrorism units, authorities said on Saturday. Prosecutors in the northern city of Genoa said the suspects are accused of belonging to and financially supporting Hamas, which the European Union classifies as
- [What Will 2026 Bring?](https://slguardian.org/what-will-2026-bring/) - The United States, Russia and China According to the Hub - a Canadian public policy and ideas platform - as the calendar turns toward 2026, the era in which the United States proclaimed itself an active and determined participant in great-power rivalry appears to be drawing to a close. The suggestion is not that competition has been
- [Jammu and Kashmir: The Limits of Political Normalisation](https://slguardian.org/jammu-and-kashmir-the-limits-of-political-normalisation/) - On December 26, 2025, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Kashmir's chief cleric and a long-standing moderate separatist leader, removed the designation "Chairman, All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC)" from his social media profile following a 'verbal directive' from the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) administration. Mirwaiz described the move as a "Hobson's choice," undertaken after being 'warned' that his
- [The Shadow of the Islamic State](https://slguardian.org/the-shadow-of-the-islamic-state/) - On December 25, 2025, Turkish security forces launched a large-scale counter-terrorism operation across Istanbul, acting on intelligence about imminent attacks linked to Christmas and New Year celebrations. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office stated that Police were tipped off that the extremist group had called for action, particularly against non-Muslims, during the celebrations. The Office
- [Decline and Fall](https://slguardian.org/decline-and-fall/) - At the start of the 20th century, the British Empire was, like our own, in terminal decline. Sixty percent of Englishmen were physically unfit for military service, as are 77 percent of American youth. The ruling Liberal Party, like the Democratic Party, while it acknowledged the need for reform, did little to address the economic and
- [Venezuela: Trump’s ‘Ukraine moment’](https://slguardian.org/venezuela-trumps-ukraine-moment/) - The Pentagon has deployed special operations aircraft, troops and equipment to the Caribbean region near Venezuela, The Wall Street Journal and other media reported on December 23. A significant force amassed in Puerto Rico, which has traditionally served as critical hub for refuelling, resupply and surveillance operations. The 27th Special Operations Wing and the 160th
- [The Hidden Axis: Israel, Somaliland, and the New Map of Power](https://slguardian.org/the-hidden-axis-israel-somaliland-and-the-new-map-of-power/) - by Durga Velayudham Reports of Israel’s recognition of Somaliland—whether already consummated or deliberately left in strategic ambiguity—should not be understood as a sudden diplomatic improvisation. Rather, they represent the possible public surfacing of a relationship that has existed quietly, intermittently, and deliberately below the radar for decades. If confirmed, such a move would not merely redraw
- [Exclusive: A World in Flux, an India Unaligned](https://slguardian.org/exclusive-a-world-in-flux-an-india-unaligned/) - The Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses occupies a discreet position within Delhi’s top security institutions. Winter light lay flat and pale across the office passages, lending the space a deliberate quiet, removed from the urgency that usually defines the capital of the world’s most populous nation. Before the scheduled meeting, I was
- [The Crash That Shook Libya’s War and a $4.6 Billion Secret](https://slguardian.org/the-crash-that-shook-libyas-war-and-a-4-6-billion-secret/) - Editor's Note: This essay is based on a podcast discussion featuring former CIA analyst Sarah Adams and an agency operative, who examine the circumstances surrounding the December 24 jet crash in Turkey that killed Lieutenant General Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, Chief of the General Staff of Libya’s UN-recognised Tripoli administration, as he returned from an
- [India’s Demographic Time Bomb](https://slguardian.org/indias-demographic-time-bomb/) - India has registered a remarkable level of economic development over the last eleven years, with the country emerging as the fourth largest economy in the world. With the Government of India implementing proactive economic and industrial development plans, this growth rate is likely to be maintained in the coming years. With a vibrant economy, massive
- [The Long Hunt After October 7](https://slguardian.org/the-long-hunt-after-october-7/) - Editor’s note: This column is based on a detailed investigative report published by YnetNews, which documented the work of a covert Israeli Military Intelligence unit tracking and neutralising those responsible for the October 7 attacks. The column reflects the reporting, testimonies, and operational descriptions contained in that report, reshaped here as analysis and commentary. The
- [Saudi Bombs Fall on Ally-Held Yemen Territory](https://slguardian.org/saudi-bombs-fall-on-ally-held-yemen-territory/) - Saudi Arabia has carried out airstrikes for the second time this week in Yemen’s eastern Hadhramaut region, targeting areas controlled by forces aligned with the United Arab Emirates-backed Southern Transitional Council, marking a sharp escalation in tensions within the anti-Houthi coalition. The strikes came amid heavy clashes in the mountainous north of Hadhramaut, where the
- [War Profits Power Palantir’s Stock Surge](https://slguardian.org/war-profits-power-palantirs-stock-surge/) - Palantir’s soaring stock price is defying Wall Street logic, buoyed not by traditional market confidence but by growing enthusiasm among US retail investors and the company’s deepening ties to America’s global wars. Despite being widely labeled as overpriced by Western financial analysts, Palantir shares have climbed more than 150% so far in 2025 and nearly
- [Algeria Calls French Rule a Crime, Seeks Reparations](https://slguardian.org/algeria-calls-french-rule-a-crime-seeks-reparations/) - Algeria has formally declared French colonization a crime and demanded restitution, marking one of the strongest official rebukes of its former ruler in decades and reopening deep wounds over the legacy of colonial rule. According to reports cited by ABC News, Algerian lawmakers passed the measure with an overwhelming majority, as 340 of 407 members
- [Iran to Host Trilateral Naval Drill in Oceanic Region](https://slguardian.org/iran-to-host-trilateral-naval-drill-in-oceanic-region/) - Iran’s Navy will host a trilateral naval exercise in an oceanic region in the near future, reflecting Tehran’s expanding international maritime cooperation and growing presence in multinational military activities, according to the commander of the Iranian Navy. The commander said the planned drill is part of a broader effort to strengthen naval diplomacy and operational
- [China Smashes Maglev Speed Barrier in Two Seconds](https://slguardian.org/china-smashes-maglev-speed-barrier-in-two-seconds/) - China has set a new world record in magnetic levitation technology after successfully accelerating an experimental superconducting maglev to 700 kilometers per hour in just two seconds, marking the fastest performance ever achieved by a superconductive maglev system. The record-breaking test was carried out by a research team from the National University of Defense Technology
- [Private Equity Eyes Rebound as Rate Cuts and Stock Rally Lift Outlook](https://slguardian.org/private-equity-eyes-rebound-as-rate-cuts-and-stock-rally-lift-outlook/) - A more accommodative interest rate environment and a booming global stock market are setting the stage for a stronger year ahead for private equity, with experts predicting renewed momentum into 2026 as investor capital increasingly flows into private markets, according to Nikkei Asia. The global private market has expanded dramatically over the past decade, underscoring
- [India’s AI Data Center Boom Drains Water From Nearby Villages](https://slguardian.org/indias-ai-data-center-boom-drains-water-from-nearby-villages/) - India’s rapid push to become a global hub for artificial intelligence is fueling an unprecedented expansion of data centers across the country, but the infrastructure boom is placing growing strain on water resources and nearby communities, Nikkei Asia reports. One such community is Tusiana, a village on the outskirts of India’s capital in Uttar Pradesh,
- [India Ends 2025 Focused on Economy Amid Foreign Policy Fallout](https://slguardian.org/india-ends-2025-focused-on-economy-amid-foreign-policy-fallout/) - As India closes a tumultuous year in foreign policy, the government is turning its attention squarely to economic measures aimed at stabilizing growth and investment. According to Front Line India, a combination of foreign policy shocks, including US tariffs of up to 50 percent, rising Chinese influence, and massive outflows by foreign institutional investors, has
- [Tata Steel Faces €1.4 Billion Dutch Class Action Over Environmental Damage](https://slguardian.org/tata-steel-faces-e1-4-billion-dutch-class-action-over-environmental-damage/) - Two of Tata Steel’s Dutch subsidiaries are facing a class action lawsuit in the Netherlands, with claims totaling about €1.4 billion (₹14,810 crore) over alleged environmental and health-related damage, Mint reports. The legal proceedings were initiated by Dutch non-profit Stichting Frisse Wind.nu (SFW) against Tata Steel Nederland B.V. and Tata Steel IJmuiden B.V., representing residents
- [US Embassy in India Warns of Visa Scams Amid H-1B Delays](https://slguardian.org/us-embassy-in-india-warns-of-visa-scams-amid-h-1b-delays/) - The US Embassy in India has issued a strong warning to applicants about visa scams, amid ongoing delays in H-1B visa processing and renewals that have left many stranded in India. According to an advisory highlighted by the embassy on X (formerly Twitter), fraudulent agents promising guaranteed visas or faster approvals are targeting applicants, potentially
- [Trust Wallet Users Lose $7 Million in Chrome Extension Hack](https://slguardian.org/trust-wallet-users-lose-7-million-in-chrome-extension-hack/) - Users of Trust Wallet, the Binance-owned cryptocurrency platform, lost over $7 million following a security incident linked to the release of the wallet’s Chrome extension version 2.68. The company’s co-founder, Changpeng Zhao, confirmed that all affected users will be reimbursed, and urged them to upgrade to the latest secure version, 2.69. Trust Wallet posted on
- [India Ramps Up Himalayan Infrastructure Amid China Tensions](https://slguardian.org/india-ramps-up-himalayan-infrastructure-amid-china-tensions/) - India is investing hundreds of millions of dollars to build roads, tunnels, and landing strips across the Himalayas as it prepares for potential clashes with China, the Wall Street Journal reports. The push follows the deadly 2020 border clash, in which soldiers fought hand-to-hand at altitudes above 14,000 feet, exposing India’s lack of infrastructure along
- [China Sanctions 10 Individuals and 20 U.S. Defense Firms Over Taiwan Arms Sales](https://slguardian.org/china-sanctions-10-individuals-and-20-u-s-defense-firms-over-taiwan-arms-sales/) - China’s foreign ministry announced on Friday that it has imposed sanctions on 10 individuals and 20 U.S. defense firms, including Boeing’s St. Louis branch, in retaliation for American arms sales to Taiwan. Under the sanctions, any assets the targeted individuals and companies hold in China are frozen, and domestic Chinese organizations and citizens are barred
- [Turkey Secures $9 Billion Russian Financing for Akkuyu Nuclear Plant](https://slguardian.org/turkey-secures-9-billion-russian-financing-for-akkuyu-nuclear-plant/) - Turkey’s energy minister announced that Russia has provided $9 billion in new financing for the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, which is being built by Moscow’s state nuclear energy company, Rosatom. The funding is expected to support operations and construction through 2026 and 2027, with at least $4–5 billion earmarked for 2026, the minister said. The
- [The New Scapegoat](https://slguardian.org/the-new-scapegoat/) - On December 20, 2025, a permitted Sikh Nagar Kirtan-a traditional religious procession-held in Manurewa, South Auckland, New Zealand, was briefly disrupted by around 50 protesters linked to Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki. The protesters, chanting slogans such as "Kiwis First," performing a traditional M?ori haka, and invoking Christian phrases like "One True God" and "Jesus,"
- [My Lai, and Its Omens](https://slguardian.org/my-lai-and-its-omens/) - By now some readers of this column may be watching or planning to watch Cover-Up, the documentary on my career by Laura Poitras and Mark Obenhaus now playing in theaters and streaming beginning today on Netflix. One thing the documentary accomplishes is to bring back to light a horrific US Army massacre of close to five
- [Julie Chung and the Politics of Diplomacy in Sri Lanka](https://slguardian.org/julie-chung-and-the-politics-of-diplomacy-in-sri-lanka/) - Julie Chung was appointed as the United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka in February 2022. The ‘aragalaya’ against Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s government had begun even before she arrived in Sri Lanka. By the time she arrived, the ‘aragalaya’ had already emerged in various parts of the country. By issuing Twitter messages in support of the ‘aragalaya’,
- [Malaysia: Najib Razak Found Guilty in Latest 1MDB Corruption Verdict](https://slguardian.org/malaysia-najib-razak-found-guilty-in-latest-1mdb-corruption-verdict/) - A Malaysian high court on Friday found former Prime Minister Najib Razak guilty on multiple charges linked to the multibillion-dollar 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) corruption scandal, marking another major legal blow for the once-powerful leader. Judges convicted Najib on at least four charges related to abuse of power and money laundering. The ruling was delivered
- [China Showcases Weaponized Cargo Ship Concept, Raising Naval Warfare Questions](https://slguardian.org/china-showcases-weaponized-cargo-ship-concept-raising-naval-warfare-questions/) - China appears to be signaling a new phase in its naval strategy by revealing what looks like a commercial cargo ship heavily modified with advanced weapons and sensors, according to an analysis by The War Zone. Images circulating online show a medium-sized container ship outfitted with containerized vertical launch systems (VLS), radar arrays and close-in
- [Bangladesh: Asia’s New Terror Hub](https://slguardian.org/bangladesh-asias-new-terror-hub/) - The current unrest in Bangladesh poses a pressing geopolitical question: is the country drifting out of India’s strategic orbit? A significant rift emerged in August 2024 when Sheikh Hasina—long the political cornerstone of India–Bangladesh relations—was removed from power. This followed an uprising in which student protests over employment quotas escalated into widespread violence against her
- [The Right to Development Was Declared — and Then Denied](https://slguardian.org/the-right-to-development-was-declared-and-then-denied/) - Nearly sixty years ago, in January 1966, hundreds of revolutionaries from across the Third World gathered in Havana, Cuba, for the First Solidarity Conference of the Peoples of Africa, Asia, and Latin America – the Tricontinental Conference. There, they discussed the inevitability of decolonisation and their ideas for a world beyond imperialism. Fidel Castro and the other
- [La Ola and the Lessons of Authoritarianism: Spanish Schools Engage Youth on Democracy](https://slguardian.org/la-ola-and-the-lessons-of-authoritarianism-spanish-schools-engage-youth-on-democracy/) - In the spring of 1967, history teacher Ron Jones at Cubberley High School in Palo Alto, California, launched an experiment that would leave a lasting imprint on educational and cultural discourse. Designed to demonstrate how easily people could be swayed by authoritarianism, Jones imposed strict discipline, curtailed student freedom, and turned the class into a
- [Schools Struggle to Keep Students Engaged as Cultural Literacy Declines](https://slguardian.org/schools-struggle-to-keep-students-engaged-as-cultural-literacy-declines/) - Víctor Bermúdez, a philosophy teacher in Mérida and former Ministry of Education official, has warned that Spain’s education system is losing control over what happens in classrooms, describing much of current teaching as a “simulacrum.” Bermúdez, co-author of the official curriculum for philosophy and history, recently published Defensa de la enseñanza de la Filosofía: trayectorias
- [Kim Unveils Nuclear Submarine as North Korea Signals Sharpened War Deterrent](https://slguardian.org/kim-unveils-nuclear-submarine-as-north-korea-signals-sharpened-war-deterrent/) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen the construction of a new nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine and inspected key munitions factories, underscoring Pyongyang’s determination to accelerate the nuclearization and modernization of its armed forces amid rising regional tensions. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim Jong Un visited the shipbuilding site
- [Middle East IPO Market Slumps to Lowest Level Since 2020](https://slguardian.org/middle-east-ipo-market-slumps-to-lowest-level-since-2020/) - Initial public offerings in the Middle East have fallen more than a third in 2025, marking the weakest year for listings since 2020, as lower oil prices and disappointing performances by newly floated companies weighed on investor sentiment, according to reporting by the Financial Times. By the end of November, companies in the region had
- [Japan Approves Record ¥122 Trillion Budget Amid Rising Debt Costs](https://slguardian.org/japan-approves-record-¥122-trillion-budget-amid-rising-debt-costs/) - Japan’s Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, approved a record ¥122.3 trillion budget on Friday for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2026, which includes ¥29.6 trillion in government bonds to cover a projected revenue shortfall. The proposal is set to be submitted to parliament for approval at the next regular Diet session, beginning
- [BlackRock’s Patagonia Land Deals Spark Fears of ‘Green Grabbing’](https://slguardian.org/blackrocks-patagonia-land-deals-spark-fears-of-green-grabbing/) - BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, is acquiring large tracts of farmland in Argentina’s Patagonia region as part of carbon offset initiatives, prompting growing concern among activists and local communities over what critics describe as a new wave of “green grabbing.” Reports citing satellite data and land registry records indicate that, between 2023 and 2025,
- [UK Set to Reclaim Top-Five Economy Status as Global Power Shifts East](https://slguardian.org/uk-set-to-reclaim-top-five-economy-status-as-global-power-shifts-east/) - The United Kingdom is on track to overtake Japan and become the world’s fifth-largest economy by the end of the next decade, according to new long-term forecasts that point to a gradual rebalancing of global economic power. Annual projections from the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) estimate that the UK’s gross domestic product
- [Magnificent Seven Face Rising Threats as AI Race Intensifies](https://slguardian.org/magnificent-seven-face-rising-threats-as-ai-race-intensifies/) - The dominance of the so-called Magnificent Seven US technology companies is likely to be challenged as competition in artificial intelligence intensifies, according to one of London’s largest technology investors, raising questions about whether the elite group can maintain its commanding lead in the years ahead. Speaking in comments reported by the Times UK, Ben Rogoff
- [AI Scientists, Moon Missions and Deep-Sea Drilling to Define Global Research in 2026](https://slguardian.org/ai-scientists-moon-missions-and-deep-sea-drilling-to-define-global-research-in-2026/) - Artificial intelligence-driven discovery, landmark space missions and major advances in medicine and Earth science are set to shape global research in 2026, according to a wide-ranging outlook published by the journal Nature. Nature reports that artificial intelligence will play an increasingly central role in scientific research, with AI “agents” capable of combining multiple large language
- [Data Centers Move Into Public Spotlight as Protests Spread Across the US](https://slguardian.org/data-centers-move-into-public-spotlight-as-protests-spread-across-the-us/) - Once an obscure backbone of the internet, data centers have emerged as a flashpoint of public and political debate across the United States, as communities push back against a rapid expansion driven by the artificial intelligence boom. According to TechCrunch, 2025 marked a turning point in public awareness of data centers, with protests erupting in
- [Africa’s Dark History with Western Vaccine Trials Sparks Ongoing Distrust](https://slguardian.org/africas-dark-history-with-western-vaccine-trials-sparks-ongoing-distrust/) - Africa’s experience with Western medicine is deeply scarred by a legacy of exploitation, forced experimentation, and disregard for human life, raising persistent questions about ethics and equity in contemporary vaccine programs. Historical records reveal a pattern of ruthless experimentation during colonial times. German researcher Robert Koch tested toxic Atoxyl on thousands of East Africans to
- [Najib Verdict Looms as 1MDB Case Tests Malaysia’s Political Fault Lines](https://slguardian.org/najib-verdict-looms-as-1mdb-case-tests-malaysias-political-fault-lines/) - Jailed former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak is set to hear a crucial verdict on Friday in the biggest trial he faces over the multibillion-dollar 1MDB scandal, a decision that could further strain the already delicate balance within Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s ruling coalition. According to Reuters, the case centers on allegations that about $4.5
- [US Strikes ISIS Targets in Nigeria as Trump Signals Tougher Military Stance](https://slguardian.org/us-strikes-isis-targets-in-nigeria-as-trump-signals-tougher-military-stance/) - The United States has carried out a military strike against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria at the request of the Nigerian government, a move that underscores Washington’s growing security role in West Africa and sharpens debate over religious violence in the country. According to Reuters, the strike was confirmed on Thursday by both U.S.
- [Death of One-Child Policy Architect Reignites Public Anger in China](https://slguardian.org/death-of-one-child-policy-architect-reignites-public-anger-in-china/) - The death of a former senior official who once oversaw China’s one-child policy has triggered a wave of online criticism, reviving public anger over a policy that reshaped millions of lives and is now widely blamed for the country’s deepening demographic crisis. According to Reuters, state media praised Peng Peiyun, who headed China’s Family Planning
- [Mogadishu Votes in Historic Poll as Somalia Edges Toward Direct Elections](https://slguardian.org/mogadishu-votes-in-historic-poll-as-somalia-edges-toward-direct-elections/) - Residents of Somalia’s capital Mogadishu are voting on Thursday in municipal elections that authorities say are a crucial step toward holding the country’s first direct national polls in more than 50 years. According to Reuters, Somalia last held direct elections in 1969, shortly before military ruler Mohamed Siad Barre seized power in a coup. Following
- [Mob Rule in Bangladesh](https://slguardian.org/mob-rule-in-bangladesh/) - The alarming eruption of violence, lawlessness, and social breakdown in Bangladesh cannot be separated from the conduct of the unlawful and puppet interim regime led by Dr Muhammad Yunus and the network of right-wing, reactionary operatives that have rallied around him. What began as turbulent political unrest has metastasised into full-blown social disintegration—a crisis not
- [Security Without Abuse: The Line Sri Lanka Cannot Cross](https://slguardian.org/security-without-abuse-the-line-sri-lanka-cannot-cross/) - Whatever may be said or debated, one fundamental reality must be acknowledged: in the contemporary threat environment, no responsible state can function without a comprehensive legal framework to protect itself and its people from terrorism and related crimes. Modern threats are no longer confined to conventional insurgencies. They encompass radicalisation, violent extremism, terrorism, hate-driven violence,
- [What is Local Governance?](https://slguardian.org/what-is-local-governance/) - “When you are in local government, you are on the ground, and you are looking into the eyes and hearts of the people you are there to serve. It teaches you to listen; it teaches you to be expansive in the people with whom you talk to, and I think that engagement gives you political
- [Tech Giants Channel $120 Billion Off-Balance Sheet in AI Data Centre Spending](https://slguardian.org/tech-giants-channel-120-billion-off-balance-sheet-in-ai-data-centre-spending/) - Tech companies have moved more than $120 billion in data centre spending off their balance sheets using special purpose vehicles (SPVs), according to an analysis by the Financial Times, intensifying concerns about the financial risks of the artificial intelligence (AI) boom. Meta, Elon Musk’s xAI, Oracle, and data centre operator CoreWeave have spearheaded a wave
- [US Banking Titans Surge $600 Billion in 2025 Amid Deregulation and Trading Boom](https://slguardian.org/us-banking-titans-surge-600-billion-in-2025-amid-deregulation-and-trading-boom/) - America’s six largest banks have collectively added $600 billion in market value in 2025, reflecting a powerful combination of deregulation under the Trump administration and a resurgence in investment banking, according to a Financial Times analysis. The six banks — JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley — now
- [India-Sri Lanka: Partners, Not Dependents](https://slguardian.org/india-sri-lanka-partners-not-dependents/) - Debate within Sri Lanka about India’s role in the island’s recent past and present is neither new nor unusual. As India has emerged as one of Sri Lanka’s most consequential partners during moments of economic distress and humanitarian crisis, public discussion has intensified, reflecting both appreciation and caution. That caution is rooted in history. Sri
- [Zelensky Wishes Death on Putin While Pushing Christmas Eve Peace Plan](https://slguardian.org/zelensky-wishes-death-on-putin-while-pushing-christmas-eve-peace-plan/) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made headlines worldwide during his Christmas Eve address by appearing to wish death upon Russian President Vladimir Putin while outlining a new 20-point peace plan for eastern Ukraine. “Today we all share one dream. And we make one wish — for all of us: ‘may he perish,’” Zelensky said, a statement
- [India’s Exports Defy U.S. Tariffs, but Analysts Warn the Surge May Be Fragile](https://slguardian.org/indias-exports-defy-u-s-tariffs-but-analysts-warn-the-surge-may-be-fragile/) - India’s exports to the United States have rebounded sharply despite facing some of Washington’s steepest tariffs, offering New Delhi a boost in confidence as trade negotiations continue, though economists warn the headline figures may mask underlying vulnerabilities. According to data cited by Nikkei, India’s shipments to the U.S. rose more than 22% year on year
- [Pope Leo Urges Christians to Make Room for God by Helping the Poor](https://slguardian.org/pope-leo-urges-christians-to-make-room-for-god-by-helping-the-poor/) - Pope Leo used his Christmas Eve sermon to call on Christians worldwide to recognize the divine in every person, emphasizing that refusing help to the poor and strangers is equivalent to turning away from God himself. Speaking at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the pope highlighted the story of Jesus being born in a stable
- [Violence and Expansion: Inside Israel’s Settler Push in the West Bank](https://slguardian.org/violence-and-expansion-inside-israels-settler-push-in-the-west-bank/) - The small Jewish settler outpost of Or Meir in the Israeli-occupied West Bank has become a flashpoint in a wider campaign to consolidate Israeli control over strategically important land, Reuters reports. Originally consisting of a handful of prefabricated shelters at the end of a short dirt track off Road 60, Or Meir and similar outposts
- [Trump-Backed Asfura Declared Winner in Turbulent Honduran Election](https://slguardian.org/trump-backed-asfura-declared-winner-in-turbulent-honduran-election/) - Honduras’ National Party candidate, Nasry “Papi” Asfura, has been declared the winner of the country’s November 30 presidential election, the electoral body confirmed Wednesday, ending weeks of delays, technical issues, and accusations of fraud, Reuters reports. Asfura won 40.3% of the vote, narrowly surpassing center-right Liberal Party candidate Salvador Nasralla, who received 39.5%, while the
- [Israel Secretly Arms Syrian Druze Militias Following Assad’s Fall](https://slguardian.org/israel-secretly-arms-syrian-druze-militias-following-assads-fall/) - Israel began secretly supplying weapons and support to Syrian Druze militias just days after the ouster of President Bashar al‑Assad in December 2024, according to a Washington Post investigation citing multiple officials and militia leaders. The operation highlights Israel’s strategic efforts to protect its borders and influence developments in southern Syria amid the country’s ongoing
- [North Korea Reveals Nuclear Submarine Push as Kim Jong Un Warns of Regional Escalation](https://slguardian.org/north-korea-reveals-nuclear-submarine-push-as-kim-jong-un-warns-of-regional-escalation/) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen the construction of a nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine, underscoring Pyongyang’s determination to expand its nuclear deterrent at sea as regional security tensions intensify. The development was disclosed by the state-run Korean Central News Agency, or KCNA, which reported that Kim personally guided the submarine-building project during
- [Sanctions Backfire as Iran Turns Isolation Into Technological Power](https://slguardian.org/sanctions-backfire-as-iran-turns-isolation-into-technological-power/) - Iran’s modern technological rise is increasingly being seen as a case study in unintended consequences, where decades of sanctions and isolation have pushed the country not toward stagnation, but toward self-reliance and innovation. Strategies designed to curb Tehran’s ambitions have instead accelerated the development of domestic industries, allowing Iran to emerge as a significant player
- [From Foxhole Friends to Nuclear Warnings: Inside the Putin–Bush Breakup](https://slguardian.org/from-foxhole-friends-to-nuclear-warnings-inside-the-putin-bush-breakup/) - A newly released set of verbatim transcripts detailing meetings and telephone conversations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President George W. Bush provides an unusually candid portrait of one of the most consequential bilateral relationships of the early 21st century. Made public following a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit by the National Security
- [Merry Christmas, God Is Missing](https://slguardian.org/merry-christmas-god-is-missing/) - Editorial Today is Christmas Day! The day we say the Holy Father’s Son was born in Bethlehem. Bethlehem, we are told, is once again lighting lamps after years of darkness, even as those same streets remain soaked in the confused carnage of unarmed people killed in the name of competing rights, sacred claims, and carefully
- [Fractures Within the Emirate](https://slguardian.org/fractures-within-the-emirate/) - On December 21, 2025, a Taliban fighter, identified as Amanullah was killed in the Jurm District of Badakhshan Province in an intra-Taliban skirmish, when a confrontation broke out between individuals affiliated with Mawlawi Mahboob Hamed, Taliban's Deputy Governor in Ghor, and two other Taliban members, over control of a gold mine near the village of
- [India: When Autonomy Burns](https://slguardian.org/india-when-autonomy-burns/) - On December 23, 2025, two persons were killed and several were injured, including 48 Police personnel, as fresh violence erupted in Assam's West Karbi Anglong District, marking a serious escalation in a long-standing dispute over land rights, ethnic identity, and governance in the Sixth Schedule hill areas of the state. The deceased were identified as
- [Kafkaesque West: From the Rule of Law to the Age of Unpersons](https://slguardian.org/kafkaesque-west-from-the-rule-of-law-to-the-age-of-unpersons/) - A passage from Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale haunts me often: “That was when they suspended the Constitution… There wasn’t even any rioting in the streets. People stayed home… watching television… There wasn’t even an enemy you could put your finger on.” Today, the enemy list is long: Russia, China, Iran, Hamas—you choose! Our screens have changed,
- [How Trump Turns Intel Into a Government-Backed Powerhouse](https://slguardian.org/intel-ceo-lip-bu-tan-secures-u-s-government-investment-amid-trump-criticism/) - Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan found himself at the center of a political storm earlier this year when U.S. President Donald Trump publicly criticized him on Truth Social, calling for his immediate resignation over alleged ties to China, Reuters reports. Tan, 66, had previously been a prolific investor in Chinese companies, which drew the president’s ire.
- [Russia Plans Nuclear Power Plant on Moon in 10 Year to Power Lunar Program](https://slguardian.org/russia-plans-nuclear-power-plant-on-moon-in-10-year-to-power-lunar-program/) - Russia has announced ambitious plans to build a nuclear power plant on the moon by 2036 to support its lunar space program and a joint Russian-Chinese research station, as global powers intensify efforts to explore Earth’s only natural satellite, Reuters reports. The Russian state space agency, Roscosmos, signed a contract with the Lavochkin Association aerospace
- [UN Experts Condemn Jimmy Lai Conviction, Call for Immediate Humanitarian Release](https://slguardian.org/un-experts-condemn-jimmy-lai-conviction-call-for-immediate-humanitarian-release/) - UN human rights experts have expressed “deep disappointment” over the conviction of pro-democracy media entrepreneur Jimmy Lai, calling for his immediate release on humanitarian grounds. Lai, 78, was convicted on 15 December 2025 on sedition and foreign collusion charges under Hong Kong’s controversial National Security Law, more than five years after his initial arrest, according
- [History Cannot Repeat: My Talk with M. R. Narayan Swamy](https://slguardian.org/history-cannot-repeat-my-talk-with-m-r-narayan-swamy/) - Editor’s Note: This is an Extended Version of the Author’s Earlier Report Winter had just begun in New Delhi, and the day after my arrival, I decided to meet him for a lengthy discussion. He welcomed me warmly the moment I stepped into his ancestral home, a space surrounded by shelves of books and adorned
- [Venezuela’s Resource-Rich Crisis: Oil, Gold, and Rare Earths at the Heart of Tensions](https://slguardian.org/venezuelas-resource-rich-crisis-oil-gold-and-rare-earths-at-the-heart-of-tensions/) - Venezuela’s current political crisis revolves around allegations of ties between the Maduro government and criminal or terrorist networks, and claims that Nicolás Maduro’s 2024 re-election was fraudulent. According to reporting by El País, the U.S. has added a third dimension to the dispute: control over Venezuela’s vast energy and mineral wealth. President Donald Trump has
- [Covering Florida’s Death Row: The 76-Year-Old Radio Reporter Who Witnesses Executions](https://slguardian.org/covering-floridas-death-row-the-76-year-old-radio-reporter-who-witnesses-executions/) - John Koch, 76, has spent nearly four decades covering every execution in Florida, including the recent lethal injection of Frank Athen Walls. Traveling from his northern Florida home to the state prison near Starke, Koch meticulously records each event, keeping track of minute-by-minute details despite doing so independently after his long-term employer ended his contract.
- [Being LGBTQ+ in U.S. migrant detention: Harassment, isolation and systemic abuse](https://slguardian.org/being-lgbtq-in-u-s-migrant-detention-harassment-isolation-and-systemic-abuse/) - LGBTQ+ migrants detained in U.S. immigration facilities face harassment, physical abuse and isolation, raising alarm among human rights advocates. Reports obtained by EL PAÍS highlight how systemic policies, particularly those implemented under former President Donald Trump, have exacerbated the risks for transgender and queer individuals in detention centers. Juan Girón, a Nicaraguan migrant held at
- [The Beginning of the End for Sri Lanka’s Ruling NPP at Year-End](https://slguardian.org/the-beginning-of-the-end-for-sri-lankas-ruling-npp-at-year-end/) - The failure on the part of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power (NPP) government to fulfil a plethora of promises given in the run up to the last presidential election, in September, 2024, and a series of incidents, including cases of corruption, and embarrassing failure to act on a specific weather alert, ahead
- [Smart toys raise alarms over children’s privacy and development](https://slguardian.org/smart-toys-raise-alarms-over-childrens-privacy-and-development/) - As artificial intelligence spreads into children’s toys, experts are warning that the latest generation of connected plushies and smart gadgets could come at a high cognitive, emotional and privacy cost. During the peak gift-buying season, concerns are growing over how much data these toys collect, how they interact with young users and what kind of
- [Bangladesh in Flux: Turmoil and Tomorrow](https://slguardian.org/bangladesh-in-flux-turmoil-and-tomorrow/) - The unfolding political violence in Bangladesh is no longer a purely domestic matter. It is increasingly a regional security concern with direct implications for Sri Lanka, particularly in relation to maritime security, refugee preparedness, communal harmony, and strategic diplomacy within South Asia. Developments in Dhaka now resonate far beyond Bangladesh’s borders, underscoring how interconnected political
- [Bethlehem revives Christmas celebrations amid fragile hope after Gaza ceasefire](https://slguardian.org/bethlehem-revives-christmas-celebrations-amid-fragile-hope-after-gaza-ceasefire/) - A 15-metre Christmas tree once again dominates Manger Square in Bethlehem, rising beside one of Christianity’s holiest sites — the Basilica of the Nativity, built over the grotto believed to mark the birthplace of Jesus. The familiar festive image has returned after a two-year absence, as the city cautiously resumes Christmas celebrations suspended in solidarity
- [Italy removes final patriotic shout from national anthem after Meloni-backed change](https://slguardian.org/italy-removes-final-patriotic-shout-from-national-anthem-after-meloni-backed-change/) - Italy has removed the final word “Sì!” from its national anthem, ending a long-standing patriotic flourish that pledged citizens’ readiness to die for the country, following a proposal by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and approval by President Sergio Mattarella. The change affects official performances of Il Canto degli Italiani, commonly known as Fratelli d’Italia, and
- [$482 Million Bid Puts Pakistan’s Flag Carrier on Path to Privatization](https://slguardian.org/482-million-bid-puts-pakistans-flag-carrier-on-path-to-privatization/) - Pakistan’s long-delayed push to privatize its national airline took a decisive step forward on Tuesday after stockbroker Arif Habib Consortium submitted the highest bid of $482 million to acquire a 75% stake in Pakistan International Airlines, officials said. The bid emerged as the winner in a competitive open auction that drew three pre-qualified bidders and
- [IMF Push to Cut Remittance Incentives Sparks Fears of Informal Money Flows](https://slguardian.org/imf-push-to-cut-remittance-incentives-sparks-fears-of-informal-money-flows/) - The International Monetary Fund has urged Pakistan to gradually scale back government spending on foreign remittance incentives, a move that economists warn could undermine formal transfer channels and revive the use of informal money networks such as hawala and hundi. The recommendation was included in a staff-level report released earlier this month following the second
- [AI Power Boom Turns China Into Backbone of Global Data Center Buildout](https://slguardian.org/ai-power-boom-turns-china-into-backbone-of-global-data-center-buildout/) - Explosive global investment in artificial intelligence is driving a surge in demand for power-hungry data centers, fueling a boom in exports by Chinese suppliers of transformers, energy storage systems and cooling equipment, even as geopolitical tensions and tariff uncertainty persist. AI data centers consume far more electricity than traditional facilities because of energy-intensive servers and
- [Anti-Graft Purge Lifts China’s Air Force to Forefront of PLA Power](https://slguardian.org/anti-graft-purge-lifts-chinas-air-force-to-forefront-of-pla-power/) - China’s air force is emerging as an increasingly influential force within the People’s Liberation Army as sweeping anti-corruption investigations weaken the standing of senior officers from other branches, reshaping the balance of power inside the military. The shift was underscored on Monday when the PLA held a ceremony promoting Yang Zhibin and Han Shengyan to
- [Taiwan Seen as Potential Flashpoint in 2026 Amid U.S. Arms Sales](https://slguardian.org/taiwan-seen-as-potential-flashpoint-in-2026-amid-u-s-arms-sales/) - Taiwan could emerge as a major geopolitical hotspot in 2026 as China’s long-standing objective of unification collides with growing U.S. military support for Taipei and deepening political divisions on the island, according to an assessment by Delhi-based think tank Security Risks Research. The analysis argues that reunification with Taiwan remains one of the core sovereignty
- [Australia Pushes Through Tough Gun and Protest Laws After Bondi Massacre](https://slguardian.org/australia-pushes-through-tough-gun-and-protest-laws-after-bondi-massacre/) - Australia’s most populous state has passed sweeping new gun control and anti-terrorism laws in response to last month’s mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, significantly tightening firearm ownership rules, expanding police powers over protests and banning the public display of terrorist symbols. The New South Wales parliament approved the terrorism and other legislation amendment bill
- [Newly Released Epstein Files Say Trump Flew on Financier’s Jet More Often Than Known](https://slguardian.org/newly-released-epstein-files-say-trump-flew-on-financiers-jet-more-often-than-known/) - U.S. Justice Department documents released this week say President Donald Trump flew on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s private jet far more frequently in the 1990s than previously reported, according to an internal email from a New York prosecutor included in the latest trove of files. In a January 7, 2020 email, an unidentified prosecutor
- [U.S. Coast Guard Hesitates as Pursuit of Venezuela-Linked Tanker Drags On](https://slguardian.org/u-s-coast-guard-hesitates-as-pursuit-of-venezuela-linked-tanker-drags-on/) - The U.S. Coast Guard is waiting for specialized forces to arrive before deciding whether to board and seize a Venezuela-linked oil tanker it has been pursuing for several days, underscoring the strain on the service as Washington intensifies pressure on Caracas, according to officials cited by Reuters. The tanker, identified by maritime groups as the
- [Latin America Shifts Right as Voters Turn Away From Left-Wing Leaders](https://slguardian.org/latin-america-shifts-right-as-voters-turn-away-from-left-wing-leaders/) - Left-wing candidates have failed to win a single presidential election in the region this year, in what some analysts are calling a “blue tide,” reversing the “pink tide” that swept Latin America in the early 2000s. Countries including Bolivia, Ecuador, Honduras and Chile have elected conservative presidents, often replacing left-wing governments. In the Caribbean, long-serving
- [US economy posts fastest growth in two years as consumer spending surges](https://slguardian.org/us-economy-posts-fastest-growth-in-two-years-as-consumer-spending-surges/) - The U.S. economy grew at an annualised rate of 4.3 per cent in the third quarter, marking its fastest expansion in two years as robust consumer spending powered activity in the world’s largest economy. The growth figure was revised up sharply from an earlier estimate of 3.8 per cent and exceeded Wall Street expectations of
- [Many Risks in Trump Battleship Program](https://slguardian.org/many-risks-in-trump-battleship-program/) - The proposed Trump class Battleship (officially the BBG(X) guided missile battleship program) is planned to be the largest warship built by the United States since World War II. The entire project represents numerous gambles, any one of which could tank the project. Here are some of the risks. (1) The US has no contemporary experience
- [What Christmas Once Meant—and What It Could Mean Again for a Divided America](https://slguardian.org/what-christmas-once-meant-and-what-it-could-mean-again-for-a-divided-america/) - Summary: In this essay, Martina Moneke traces the ethical lineage of Christmas beyond Christianity, grounding it in pre-Christian solstice traditions and shared Abrahamic moral principles such as charity, hospitality, humility, and civic responsibility. Drawing on history, philosophy, and comparative religion, the piece reframes Christmas as a universal ethical story rather than a sectarian one. By emphasizing
- [AI and Crypto Data Centers Push Global Power Grids to the Limit](https://slguardian.org/ai-and-crypto-data-centers-push-global-power-grids-to-the-limit/) - Satellite thermal imagery released this month by UK-based SatVu offers an unprecedented look at the heat output of high-load facilities, highlighting areas where cooling and electrical systems are under strain. The images focus on a Bitcoin-mining campus in Rockdale, Texas, home to Riot Platforms’ facility, the largest in the United States. Estimates suggest the site
- [Iran Crude Exports Hit Seven-Year High Amid China Purchases](https://slguardian.org/iran-crude-exports-hit-seven-year-high-amid-china-purchases/) - This year, Iran exported roughly 1.67 million barrels per day, a 5% increase from 2024 and the highest since U.S. sanctions were reimposed in 2018. China accounted for approximately 750,000 barrels per day, while an estimated 900,000 barrels were delivered to destinations that could not be identified, up from around 290,000 barrels last year. Experts
- [India Stands First with Sri Lanka](https://slguardian.org/india-stands-first-with-sri-lanka/) - Editor’s Note: The following statement was delivered by Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) from Gujarat State, during engagements in Sri Lanka. The remarks outline India’s immediate relief efforts, ongoing assistance, and long-term reconstruction support following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, and reaffirm India’s commitment to
- [Pakistan Seals Multibillion-Dollar Arms Deal With Libya’s Eastern Forces](https://slguardian.org/pakistan-seals-multibillion-dollar-arms-deal-with-libyas-eastern-forces/) - Pakistan has reached a weapons deal worth more than $4 billion with Libya’s eastern-based Libyan National Army, according to four Pakistani officials, in what would rank among the country’s largest-ever military export agreements despite a long-standing United Nations arms embargo on Libya. The deal was finalised after a meeting last week in the eastern Libyan
- [U.S. Ship Seizures Choke Venezuela’s Oil Exports as Tanker Traffic Slows](https://slguardian.org/u-s-ship-seizures-choke-venezuelas-oil-exports-as-tanker-traffic-slows/) - Oil tanker loading in Venezuela fell sharply on Monday, with most vessels shifting cargoes only between domestic ports, after the United States moved against additional ships linked to Venezuelan crude exports and as state oil company PDVSA struggled to recover from a recent cyberattack, according to shipping data and industry sources. The slowdown follows stepped-up
- [UK Firms Struggle in Europe as Brexit Trade Frictions Deepen](https://slguardian.org/uk-firms-struggle-in-europe-as-brexit-trade-frictions-deepen/) - More than half of British businesses say they are struggling to grow sales in Europe as trade frictions worsen, highlighting mounting concerns over the effectiveness of the UK’s post-Brexit trading arrangements. Research by the British Chambers of Commerce shows that exporters are increasingly frustrated with barriers to the UK’s largest overseas market, despite government efforts
- [Africa’s Sahel Emerges as Europe’s Next Migration Flashpoint](https://slguardian.org/africas-sahel-emerges-as-europes-next-migration-flashpoint/) - Rising instability in Africa’s Sahel region is likely to fuel new migration pressures on Europe next year, with Mali and neighbouring Burkina Faso emerging as key countries to watch, according to migration experts. There are also growing concerns that violence could spill over into relatively stable coastal states such as Senegal and Ivory Coast, potentially
- [Factional War in Manipur](https://slguardian.org/factional-war-in-manipur/) - On December 14, 2025, Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) cadre, Paogaigam Gangmei, was killed in a gunfight with National Socialist Council of Nagaland- Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) militants in an area between Joupi and Khoirok villages, near Dolang village, under the jurisdiction of Khoupum Police Station in the Noney District of Manipur. On December 18, 2025, the ZUF accused
- [Guns, Gangs, and the State’s Blind Spot](https://slguardian.org/guns-gangs-and-the-states-blind-spot/) - In the early hours of December 21, 2025, the KwaNoxolo tavern in Bekkersdal township, about 40 kilometers southwest of Johannesburg, South Africa, was the scene of a deadly mass shooting that left nine people dead and at least ten others injured. The attack occurred shortly before 1 am [SST] when around a dozen armed assailants
- [Americans Aren’t Traumatized Enough by Gun Violence ](https://slguardian.org/americans-arent-traumatized-enough-by-gun-violence/) - The December 14 mass shooting in Sydney, Australia, aimed at the Jewish community during Hanukkah celebrations on Bondi Beach, stunned the world. Fifteen people were killed, including a 10-year-old child. Instead of tackling antisemitism and more strictly regulating guns, right-wing and liberal pundits immediately politicized the incident by blaming pro-Palestinian and anti-genocide activism for fueling the shooting, ignoring the problem of
- [Adani Eyes Nuclear Power to Fuel India’s AI Data Center Boom](https://slguardian.org/adani-eyes-nuclear-power-to-fuel-indias-ai-data-center-boom/) - Adani Group is exploring the possibility of building nuclear energy plants to power its rapidly expanding artificial intelligence data center ambitions, signaling how sharply rising digital demand is reshaping India’s energy and infrastructure landscape. According to Nikkei Asia, the Indian conglomerate is considering significant investments to scale up its data center portfolio and sees nuclear
- [Google to Buy Intersect Power in $4.75 Billion Bet on Data Center Energy](https://slguardian.org/google-to-buy-intersect-power-in-4-75-billion-bet-on-data-center-energy/) - Google is set to acquire U.S.-based data center and energy infrastructure developer Intersect Power for $4.75 billion, deepening the tech giant’s push to secure large-scale, clean energy supplies for its rapidly expanding data center footprint. Under the deal, Google’s parent company Alphabet will purchase Intersect Power’s entire portfolio of in-development and under-construction assets, which together
- [HSBC Taps Ex-Citigroup Executive to Lead Global Private Bank](https://slguardian.org/hsbc-taps-ex-citigroup-executive-to-lead-global-private-bank/) - HSBC Holdings has hired former Citigroup executive Ida Liu to run its global private banking business, according to people familiar with the matter, marking a key leadership appointment as the bank reshapes its wealth operations under a new management team. Liu will replace Gabriel Castello, who has been serving as interim chief executive of HSBC’s
- [Robotaxis Race Into the Mainstream as Uber, Lyft and Baidu Target UK Launch](https://slguardian.org/robotaxis-race-into-the-mainstream-as-uber-lyft-and-baidu-target-uk-launch/) - Uber and Lyft are set to test self-driving taxis in the United Kingdom in 2026 through a partnership with Chinese technology group Baidu, marking another step in the rapid global push to commercialise robotaxi services. The move places the two U.S. ride-hailing giants among a growing list of companies betting that autonomous vehicles will reshape
- [North Korea Warns Japan’s Nuclear Ambitions Risk Global Disaster](https://slguardian.org/north-korea-warns-japans-nuclear-ambitions-risk-global-disaster/) - North Korea has accused Japan of seeking nuclear weapons and warned that such a move would bring “a great disaster to mankind,” according to a statement carried by the North Korean state news agency KCNA. The warning was issued in a press statement released on December 20 by the director of the Institute for Japan
- [Russia’s Gas Pivot to China Surges, But Europe’s Loss Still Looms Large](https://slguardian.org/russias-gas-pivot-to-china-surges-but-europes-loss-still-looms-large/) - Russia’s pipeline exports of natural gas to China are expected to rise by about a quarter this year, underscoring Moscow’s accelerating pivot toward Asia as it seeks new markets following the breakdown of energy ties with Europe. A source familiar with the data said the increase reflects higher flows through the Power of Siberia pipeline,
- [Maduro Accuses U.S. of Deadly Regional Escalation](https://slguardian.org/maduro-accuses-u-s-of-deadly-regional-escalation/) - Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro issued a stark warning to regional and global leaders on December 22, accusing the United States of an aggressive military escalation that he said threatens Venezuela, the wider Caribbean, and international stability. Speaking in a nationally broadcast address, Maduro said his message was directed to heads of state and government across
- [A Desert Airstrip Tilts Sudan’s War](https://slguardian.org/a-desert-airstrip-tilts-sudans-war/) - A remote airstrip carved into the desert of southeastern Libya has quietly become one of the most consequential pieces of infrastructure in Sudan’s devastating civil war, according to military, intelligence and diplomatic officials cited by Reuters. The airport in Kufrah, long dormant and largely ignored, is now at the center of a supply network that
- [China’s Missile Surge Raises Alarm in Washington](https://slguardian.org/chinas-missile-surge-raises-alarm-in-washington/) - China has likely loaded more than 100 intercontinental ballistic missiles into newly constructed silo fields near its northern border, according to a draft Pentagon report that underscores the pace and scale of Beijing’s military expansion and casts doubt on prospects for future arms control negotiations. The assessment, seen by Reuters, paints a picture of a
- [U.S. Surveillance Flights Signal Rising Security Stakes in Nigeria](https://slguardian.org/u-s-surveillance-flights-signal-rising-security-stakes-in-nigeria/) - The United States has been conducting intelligence-gathering flights over large parts of Nigeria since late November, according to flight tracking data and current and former U.S. officials cited by Reuters, in a development that signals intensifying security cooperation between Washington and Abuja at a time of mounting violence and diplomatic friction. The surveillance missions, which
- [Dera Ismail Khan: Pakistan’s Deadliest District](https://slguardian.org/dera-ismail-khan-pakistans-deadliest-district/) - On December 19, 2025, an Army Major was attacked and injured when his vehicle was intercepted by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists while travelling from Quetta to Islamabad, in the Draban area of Dera Ismail Khan District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where a checkpoint had been set up on the N-50 highway. On December 15, 2025, a soldier,
- [Sri Lanka: LTTE’s Fall Was an Inside Job, Says Former Cadre](https://slguardian.org/sri-lanka-lttes-fall-was-an-inside-job-says-former-cadre/) - More than a decade and a half after the guns fell silent in Mullivaikkal, the story of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam remains contested, emotional, and deeply political. For many, the LTTE’s defeat is explained through overwhelming military force, international isolation, and the Sri Lankan state’s final all-out offensive. But Saththiri, a former LTTE
- [In Bangladesh Democracy Was Not the Goal](https://slguardian.org/in-bangladesh-democracy-was-not-the-goal/) - Bangladesh now finds itself trapped in an unforgiving crossfire, ensnared by the American deep state’s geopolitical and economic machinations. What was once a nation steadily forging its path as a sovereign, democratic state is today caught in a whirlwind of manipulation and subversion, where external agendas and domestic collusion have converged to erode both governance
- [What does “common security” really mean today？](https://slguardian.org/what-does-common-security-really-mean-today？/) - As a podcaster, I work on shows with different themes. Some are analytical. Some are historical. Some are very entertaining. But this one stayed with me in a different way. This article comes from the podcast series Stories of Xi Jinping. It’s about global governance and the idea of a “shared future for humanity”. When
- [Respect Gandhi’s Ideals, Not Just His Name](https://slguardian.org/respect-gandhis-ideals-not-just-his-name/) - The Government of India has now introduced a revised rural employment scheme, fine-tuning the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which has been under implementation for nearly two decades. The MGNREGA scheme provides 100 days of guaranteed rural employment, predominantly benefiting those living in rural areas. The revised scheme is named VB-G RAM–G
- [Book Revives Claims of CIA–Vatican Role in 1948 Italian Election](https://slguardian.org/book-revives-claims-of-cia-vatican-role-in-1948-italian-election/) - A controversial historical account has reignited debate over one of the most consequential elections in postwar Europe, alleging that the CIA, the Vatican, and organized crime worked together to manipulate Italy’s 1948 vote. The claims are detailed in a 2015 book by historian Paul L. Williams, which describes a secret campaign aimed at preventing Italy’s
- [Trump Recalls Dozens of US Ambassadors, Including Julie Chung in Colombo](https://slguardian.org/trump-recalls-dozens-of-us-ambassadors-including-julie-chung-in-colombo/) - The Trump administration has begun recalling nearly 30 career diplomats from ambassadorial and senior embassy posts worldwide, a sweeping move aimed at reshaping US diplomacy around President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda. The shake-up has drawn particular attention in Sri Lanka, where the possible departure of US Ambassador Julie Chung has revived long-standing controversy over
- [Indonesia Turns Tax Spotlight on the Rich as Revenue Gap Deepens](https://slguardian.org/indonesia-turns-tax-spotlight-on-the-rich-as-revenue-gap-deepens/) - Indonesia is ramping up scrutiny of wealthy individuals and major corporations in an effort to plug an unusually large tax revenue shortfall ahead of year-end, raising anxiety among the country’s business elite and underscoring the strain on public finances. Tax officials have summoned high-net-worth individuals and large, often family-run companies to review their tax filings,
- [Abandoned in Wartime London, Man Reunited With Brother After 80 Years](https://slguardian.org/abandoned-in-wartime-london-man-reunited-with-brother-after-80-years/) - A man abandoned as a newborn in wartime London has been reunited with his long-lost half-brother more than eight decades later, after a chance DNA test given as a Christmas gift revealed a family connection thought lost forever. The extraordinary story, reported by Times UK, brings full circle a life that began in the final
- [Japan Moves to Restart World’s Largest Nuclear Plant After Fukushima](https://slguardian.org/japan-moves-to-restart-worlds-largest-nuclear-plant-after-fukushima/) - Japan is poised to take a major step in its post-Fukushima energy shift as the Niigata regional assembly prepares to endorse the restart of the world’s largest nuclear power plant, nearly 15 years after the 2011 disaster reshaped the country’s energy policy. Approval would mark a watershed moment in Tokyo’s effort to revive nuclear power
- [US Pressure on Venezuela Threatens to Push Cuba Into Deeper Collapse](https://slguardian.org/us-pressure-on-venezuela-threatens-to-push-cuba-into-deeper-collapse/) - Cuba’s deepening humanitarian and economic crisis is poised to worsen as the United States escalates pressure on Venezuela, the island’s most critical energy lifeline. With Venezuelan oil exports increasingly disrupted by US seizures and sanctions enforcement, Cuban officials and analysts warn that a sharp drop in shipments could trigger an outright collapse of the Cuban
- [China’s Arms Industry Emerges as a Serious Rival to the West](https://slguardian.org/chinas-arms-industry-emerges-as-a-serious-rival-to-the-west/) - China has made major strides in building a domestically self-sufficient arms industry, narrowing long-standing technological gaps with the United States and other Western powers, according to a detailed report by the Wall Street Journal. New generations of jet engines, warships, missiles, and aircraft signal a turning point in Beijing’s decades-long effort to free itself from
- [EU Trade Ambitions Stumble as Mercosur Deal Delayed Again](https://slguardian.org/eu-trade-ambitions-stumble-as-mercosur-deal-delayed-again/) - The European Union’s effort to clinch its largest-ever free-trade agreement has been thrown into uncertainty after leaders failed to finalize the long-delayed Mercosur pact, dealing a blow to Brussels’ ambitions to assert itself as a global geoeconomic power. According to Bloomberg, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen missed a self-imposed deadline to sign the
- [Macron Accused of Torpedoing EU Plan to Use Russian Assets](https://slguardian.org/macron-accused-of-torpedoing-eu-plan-to-use-russian-assets/) - French President Emmanuel Macron has been accused of betraying German Chancellor Friedrich Merz by refusing to back a controversial plan to use frozen Russian state assets to finance Ukraine, according to a report by the Financial Times. The claim highlights deepening fractures at the top of the European Union as leaders struggle to agree on
- [Starship Blast Allegedly Endangered Commercial Flights](https://slguardian.org/starship-blast-allegedly-endangered-commercial-flights/) - A SpaceX Starship test-flight explosion earlier this year posed a significantly greater risk to commercial aviation than was publicly acknowledged, according to Federal Aviation Administration documents reviewed by the Wall Street Journal. The report claims that passenger aircraft were forced into emergency measures as burning debris from the failed launch spread across a wide area.
- [Trump Bets Big on Fusion as Energy Pressures Mount](https://slguardian.org/trump-bets-big-on-fusion-as-energy-pressures-mount/) - US President Donald Trump is making a high-stakes entry into the fusion energy sector through a reported $6 billion merger linking his social media company with Google-backed TAE Technologies. The move places Trump at the center of a growing global push toward fusion power, even as experts warn that the technology remains years, if not
- [Defense Alleges Conflict of Interest in UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder Case](https://slguardian.org/defense-alleges-conflict-of-interest-in-unitedhealthcare-ceo-murder-case/) - Lawyers representing Luigi Mangione, the man accused of murdering UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson, have accused federal prosecutors of operating under a “profound conflict of interest,” pointing to Attorney General Pam Bondi’s prior work as a lobbyist for a firm representing UnitedHealth Group. The allegation was laid out in court filings this week as the defense
- [New Epstein Files Reveal Disturbing Images and Long-Ignored Allegations](https://slguardian.org/new-epstein-files-reveal-disturbing-images-and-long-ignored-allegations/) - A newly released tranche of documents from the US Department of Justice related to Jeffrey Epstein has reignited public outrage, revealing disturbing photographs, artwork, and long-overlooked complaints that raise fresh questions about the full scope of the convicted sex offender’s activities and the failures of authorities to act on early warnings. Although portions of the
- [Israeli Media Warnings Fuel Fears of Looming Strike on Iran](https://slguardian.org/israeli-media-warnings-fuel-fears-of-looming-strike-on-iran/) - Fresh warnings from Israeli media and a wave of increasingly sharp rhetoric from both Tehran and Tel Aviv are fueling concerns that Israel may be moving closer to a direct military strike on Iran, even as senior officials publicly acknowledge the risks of sustained escalation. Israel’s largest newspaper, Yedioth Ahronoth, has claimed that Iran’s ballistic
- [The Man Cashing In on Deepfake Porn Has a Name](https://slguardian.org/the-man-cashing-in-on-deepfake-porn-has-a-name/) - An investigation by Bellingcat has identified a Hungarian national, Mark Resan, as the central figure behind at least two deepfake pornography websites that until recently sold paid subscriptions, generating hundreds of thousands of dollars from sexually explicit, non-consensual content. The findings expose how easily such platforms can operate in regulatory grey zones, exploiting gaps in
- [Pakistan Desperate For Depth In Bangladesh: India Must Prepare For All Options](https://slguardian.org/pakistan-desperate-for-depth-in-bangladesh-india-must-prepare-for-all-options/) - After almost losing decades of strategic depth in Afghanistan, Pakistan has now shifted its attention to cultivating a second phase of strategic depth—Bangladesh. Perhaps following the 2024 revolution in Bangladesh that ousted Sheikh Hasina, the recent violence and Islamist uproar in Dhaka are not only revealing rapidly growing anti-India sentiments but also showing how Pakistan
- [Bangladesh’s Unrest: A Consequence of India’s Hegemonic Policies](https://slguardian.org/bangladeshs-unrest-a-consequence-of-indias-hegemonic-policies/) - Bangladesh has been shaken by violent demonstrations since December 2025 when Sharif Osman Hadi, a well-known youth leader and a fierce opponent of India, died. Although the catalyst that triggered the situation was his sad assassination death, the riot has soon evolved to be a bigger outcry of anti-India sentiment. This is not a single
- [Violence Has a System in Bangladesh](https://slguardian.org/violence-has-a-system-in-bangladesh/) - In Bangladesh today, violence no longer arrives as an unexpected shock. Under the current interim government led by Nobel Peace Laureate Muhammad Yunus, alongside several renowned human rights activists, violence now arrives with familiarity, sequence, and intent. An attack occurs. There is brief outrage. Silence follows. Then another group becomes the next target. Supporters and
- [A Soldier Who Would Not Bend](https://slguardian.org/a-soldier-who-would-not-bend/) - Late Brigadier Vipul Botejue’s death on 25 Nov 25 after a debilitating illness brought sorrow and grief that will take a very long time to heal, not only for his family and relatives but also for his many friends from school and his lifelong companions in the Armed Forces. They all came in numbers rarely
- [Courage is Contagious](https://slguardian.org/courage-is-contagious/) - As 2025 slumbers toward its end, there are tentative signs of life in our constitutional republic. Few — certainly not I — would have predicted that the first stirrings of congressional resistance to unbridled executive power would begin with Marjorie Taylor Greene. And who would have guessed that state lawmakers in Indiana would be among
- [Extremism Grows Where Trust Collapses](https://slguardian.org/extremism-grows-where-trust-collapses/) - A comprehensive 35-page research publication by the U.S. Department of Justice and its research arm, the National Institute of Justice, offers timely lessons on how the internet and social media influence domestic radicalisation. Though rooted in the American context, its findings resonate strongly with Sri Lanka’s own security, social, and communal realities. The central conclusion
- [The Pathology of Power: Sri Lanka’s Ethical Eclipse](https://slguardian.org/the-pathology-of-power-sri-lankas-ethical-eclipse/) - Editorial Sri Lanka is drifting into a perilous moral dusk, one not announced by tanks on the streets or decrees at dawn, but by something far more insidious: the systematic corrosion of ethical restraint under the guise of reform. The present Government’s inability – or refusal – to respect basic ethical codes in public appointments
- [World Cup Prices Ignite Fan Fury](https://slguardian.org/world-cup-prices-ignite-fan-fury/) - Fifa is facing unprecedented backlash after revealing ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with fans and political leaders alike criticizing the governing body for making football’s premier event unaffordable. The Financial Times reports that prices for the final alone start at $4,185, rising to $5,575 for standard
- [PSTA: The NPP’s 1984 Moment?](https://slguardian.org/psta-the-npps-1984-moment/) - “It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.” ~ George Orwell (1984) Some fates are written in broken promises. The UNP’s 1977 election manifesto acknowledged the existence of a Tamil ethnic problem, enumerated some of its root causes, promised to resolve it politically, and highlighted the nexus between national
- [Vaults of the Super-Rich: Inside London’s Hidden Fortresses](https://slguardian.org/vaults-of-the-super-rich-inside-londons-hidden-fortresses/) - Beneath the glittering façades of Park Lane, home to the Dorchester Hotel and luxury car showrooms, lies IBV International Vaults, a high-security haven for the world’s wealthiest, according to the Times UK. The Victorian-era vault houses priceless art, family heirlooms, gold bars, and even bitcoin wallets, offering clients privacy and peace of mind amid rising
- [Imran Khan’s Sons Speak Out: ‘What They’re Doing to Our Father is Barbaric’](https://slguardian.org/imran-khans-sons-speak-out-what-theyre-doing-to-our-father-is-barbaric/) - As Imran Khan’s jail sentence extends, his sons Sulaiman and Kasim have spoken publicly for the first time about the conditions their father faces in Pakistan’s Adiala jail, describing them as a “death cell,” in an interview with the Times UK. Held in solitary confinement for more than 28 months, Khan has been denied visits
- [Defence Stocks Go High-Tech: From Lockheed to Drones](https://slguardian.org/defence-stocks-go-high-tech-from-lockheed-to-drones/) - The defence sector is experiencing a dramatic transformation, with nimble, technology-driven companies capturing investor attention alongside traditional giants like Lockheed Martin and RTX, according to a report by Bloomberg. Firms such as drone-maker Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, satellite intelligence company Planet Labs PBC, and data analytics provider Palantir Technologies have seen their shares at
- [Epstein Files Spark Political Backlash](https://slguardian.org/epstein-files-spark-political-backlash/) - The U.S. Justice Department on Friday released thousands of heavily redacted documents related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a disclosure that made scant reference to President Donald Trump while repeatedly featuring former Democratic President Bill Clinton. The imbalance immediately fueled political controversy and renewed criticism over how the long-running scandal
- [Jaishankar Heads to Sri Lanka Amid Cyclone Recovery](https://slguardian.org/jaishankar-heads-to-sri-lanka-amid-cyclone-recovery/) - India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka next week, reinforcing Delhi’s commitment to aid and reconstruction following Cyclone Ditwah, which struck the island on November 27, 2025. The visit comes as Sri Lanka continues to recover from one of the worst natural disasters in decades, with over 500 lives lost
- [India’s strategic winter](https://slguardian.org/indias-strategic-winter/) - Editor’s note: The following article was first published in The Sunday Morning, a Colombo-based weekly newspaper. New Delhi’s winter is approaching with a gentle chill, though the city retains a pleasant calm, a contrast to the often tumultuous issues it hosts within its corridors of power. Emerging questions linger in the air as one considers
- [Sri Lanka and the JVP’s Curse of Power](https://slguardian.org/sri-lanka-and-the-jvps-curse-of-power/) - “Whenever Jupiter changes position, the JVP becomes powerful. But that power never lasts long. Within two or three years, it fades away. That happened in 1971. It happened in 1987. It happened in 2004 as well…” This prediction was made by a veteran astrologer before the JVP rose to power, as he demonstrated planetary movements
- [Gabbard Accuses NATO Allies of Pushing War Narrative](https://slguardian.org/gabbard-accuses-nato-allies-of-pushing-war-narrative/) - U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has accused European NATO members of attempting to pull the United States into a direct military confrontation with Russia, sharply criticizing Reuters for what she described as promoting fear and war hysteria that undermines diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine. In a post on X, Gabbard
- [Asia’s Oil Comfort Masks Rising Risk](https://slguardian.org/asias-oil-comfort-masks-rising-risk/) - On paper, 2026 is shaping up to be a benign year for oil importers, with global supply expected to comfortably outpace moderating demand. Brent crude prices are already well below last year’s levels, and most forecasts point to further easing ahead. But an analysis published by Nikkei warns that for Asia, the world’s largest source
- [Asia Takes the Global Driver’s Seat](https://slguardian.org/asia-takes-the-global-drivers-seat/) - Asia emerged in 2025 as the central arena of global geopolitical change, no longer merely responding to pressures from major powers but actively generating them. The U.S. effort to reshape the global economy has increasingly revolved around China, while major realignments — from U.S.-India maneuvering to Japan-China frictions and Europe’s recalibration of its China strategy
- [Lula Warns Against Military Move on Venezuela](https://slguardian.org/lula-warns-against-military-move-on-venezuela/) - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva warned on Saturday that any armed intervention in Venezuela would amount to a humanitarian catastrophe, as tensions rise following new measures by the United States aimed at increasing pressure on President Nicolas Maduro’s government. The warning came days after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered what Washington described as
- [Musk’s Wealth Soars to $749 Billion After Court Victory](https://slguardian.org/musks-wealth-soars-to-749-billion-after-court-victory/) - Tesla chief executive Elon Musk’s net worth has surged to an estimated $749 billion after the Delaware Supreme Court reinstated Tesla stock options valued at $139 billion that had been voided last year, according to Forbes’ billionaires index. The sharp rise follows a ruling that reversed a lower court decision which had struck down part
- [US Blockades Venezuela in a War Still Searching for an Official Rationale](https://slguardian.org/us-blockades-venezuela-in-a-war-still-searching-for-an-official-rationale/) - In our Donald-in-Wonderland world, the US is at war with Venezuela while still grasping for a public rationale. The horrific human toll is real – over a 100,000 fatalities from illegal sanctions and over a hundred from more recent “kinetic strikes.” Yet the officially stated justification for the US empire’s escalating offensive remains elusive. The empire once spun its domination as “democracy promotion.”
- [Who Gains First from Artificial Intelligence?](https://slguardian.org/who-gains-first-from-artificial-intelligence/) - Over the past two years, few technologies have provoked as much economic speculation as generative artificial intelligence. Its rapid diffusion into workplaces, from software development and finance to education and professional services, has reignited long-standing debates about productivity, growth, and inequality. While the dominant narrative has emphasised the promise of efficiency gains and innovation, a
- [Bangladesh: Murder Sparks Vandalism and Instability](https://slguardian.org/murder-sparks-vandalism-and-instability/) - On December 18, 2025, the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inqilab Mancha and a prospective candidate for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, triggered a rapid escalation of protests and violence across Bangladesh, exposing deepening political polarisation, institutional vulnerability, and rising anti-India sentiments. Hadi, who had reportedly been shot in the head
- [Sri Lanka: Has the NPP Lost Its Way?](https://slguardian.org/sri-lanka-has-the-npp-lost-its-way/) - Repressive government actions that restrict citizen behaviour undermine political legitimacy and fuel anti-government sentiment, as history has repeatedly demonstrated, the Soviet Union being a case in point. Rather than quelling dissent, repression often invigorates social movements and political participation. For democracy to succeed and sustainable governance to take root, governments must involve citizens in reforms,
- [What Happened in 2025?](https://slguardian.org/what-happened-in-2025/) - Prediction is very difficult, especially about the future. — attributed to Niels Bohr It has been my custom, bordering on a private ritual, to begin each calendar year with The World Ahead of The Economist and to close the year by holding its prognostications against the unforgiving mirror of lived reality. This exercise is neither idle amusement nor intellectual
- [Putin Floats Election-Day Pause in Strikes](https://slguardian.org/putin-floats-election-day-pause-in-strikes/) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that Moscow would consider refraining from deep strikes on Ukraine on the day the country holds a presidential election, provided that millions of Ukrainians currently living in Russia are allowed to vote. The remarks introduce a conditional opening tied to Ukraine’s long-delayed election, even as fighting continues and
- [Germany Weighs Offensive Spy Powers](https://slguardian.org/germany-weighs-offensive-spy-powers/) - Germany’s government is considering a major expansion of powers for its foreign intelligence service that would allow it to carry out sabotage, cyberattacks and other offensive operations overseas, according to a report by Sueddeutsche Zeitung. The proposal would mark a sharp shift for an agency that has historically been restricted to surveillance and intelligence gathering.
- [The Day Sri Lanka Ran Out of Excuses](https://slguardian.org/the-day-sri-lanka-ran-out-of-excuses/) - Editor’s note: The following article is based on an open letter addressed to the President of Sri Lanka by a concerned citizen. A copy of the same letter was received by the Sri Lanka Guardian. The text reflects the arguments, data and proposals contained in that letter, presented here in extended analytical form. A devastating
- [The Next Wars](https://slguardian.org/the-next-wars/) - The international security environment entering 2026 is marked by an intensity, breadth, and complexity of conflict risks unseen since the end of the Second World War. According to the Center for Preventive Action’s Preventive Priorities Survey 2026, the number of armed conflicts worldwide has reached its highest level in decades, with interstate wars once again
- [Pinochet’s Shadow Returns](https://slguardian.org/pinochets-shadow-returns/) - In jubilation, when news reached him from Lima that arch-conservative candidate José Antonio Kast had emerged victorious in Chile’s presidential election, Argentina’s right wing president Javier Milei posted a map of South America on X on Sunday evening with the top half coloured in red and the bottom half conservative blue. Milei boastfully captioned it,
- [Inside AI’s Boomtown Moment](https://slguardian.org/inside-ais-boomtown-moment/) - What was once a niche gathering of academics has become the beating heart of the artificial intelligence industry. According to the Wall Street Journal, this year’s Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems, known as NeurIPS, drew more than 24,000 attendees to San Diego, transforming the city into a crossroads for the world’s most powerful ideas,
- [Universal Eyes Saudi Theme Park Push](https://slguardian.org/universal-eyes-saudi-theme-park-push/) - Universal Studios is in the early planning stages of building a new theme park in Saudi Arabia, a move that could position Comcast’s entertainment arm in direct competition with Disney as global media companies race to tap the Middle East’s fast-growing tourism market, according to people familiar with the matter. The Comcast-owned studio is conducting
- [Morgan Stanley Poised for Pole Position in SpaceX IPO](https://slguardian.org/morgan-stanley-poised-for-pole-position-in-spacex-ipo/) - Morgan Stanley is emerging as a leading contender for a top underwriting role in SpaceX’s long-anticipated initial public offering, leveraging its long-standing relationship with chief executive Elon Musk, according to people familiar with the matter cited by Reuters. The development places the Wall Street bank at the center of what could become one of the
- [SoftBank Scrambles to Fund OpenAI Bet](https://slguardian.org/softbank-scrambles-to-fund-openai-bet/) - SoftBank Group is racing to assemble a $22.5 billion funding commitment to OpenAI by the end of the year, turning to asset sales, balance-sheet cash and potential borrowing as founder Masayoshi Son doubles down on artificial intelligence, according to sources cited by Reuters. The push underscores the scale of Son’s latest wager as competition intensifies
- [Court Hands Musk a Massive Win](https://slguardian.org/court-hands-musk-a-massive-win/) - Elon Musk’s long-delayed 2018 compensation package from Tesla, once valued at $56 billion, was reinstated on Friday after the Delaware Supreme Court overturned a lower court ruling that had scrapped the deal. The decision ends a two-year legal saga that froze what was once the largest executive pay package in corporate history and reignited debate
- [Vengeance From the Sky](https://slguardian.org/vengeance-from-the-sky/) - The United States military carried out a large-scale assault on Islamic State positions across Syria on Friday, striking more than 70 targets in what officials described as a direct response to a deadly attack on U.S. personnel last weekend. The operation marked one of the most extensive U.S. military actions in Syria in recent months
- [Humans Face Pareidolic Experiences to Our Advantage](https://slguardian.org/humans-face-pareidolic-experiences-to-our-advantage/) - Imagine that you notice an unfamiliar male face out of the corner of your eye. You turn to look at it, but it turns out that you perceived a face-like visual cue—a tree adorned with several hollows that appear like “eyeholes.” This kind of accidental perception of a meaningful image, such as a human face,
- [Is Delhi’s Smog Crisis Becoming a Permanent Emergency?](https://slguardian.org/is-delhis-smog-crisis-becoming-a-permanent-emergency/) - Each winter, India’s capital slips into a familiar state of crisis. A dense blanket of toxic smog descends over Delhi, reducing visibility, grounding flights, closing schools, and sending thousands to hospitals with respiratory complaints. Authorities respond with short-term measures—construction bans, vehicle restrictions, anti-smog guns, and work-from-home advisories—but once again, the relief proves temporary. The air
- [Europe at the Edge of Power](https://slguardian.org/europe-at-the-edge-of-power/) - Editor’s note: The following essay is based on a speech delivered recently by Olli Rehn, Governor of the Bank of Finland, at the Bank of Finland’s biannual lunch for EU Heads of Mission in Helsinki. What emerges most clearly is that geopolitics can no longer be treated as a distant backdrop to monetary policy or
- [China’s Hainan Free Trade Port: A new gateway for global trade](https://slguardian.org/chinas-hainan-free-trade-port-a-new-gateway-for-global-trade/) - An iPhone that costs about $100 less might not sound like a trade policy story, but in China’s Hainan Island, it is. As global trade faces rising tariffs and growing protectionism, China is moving in the opposite direction, by opening one of its doors wider. That door is Hainan, a tropical island now being positioned
- [Is Bangladesh on the Verge of Separation?](https://slguardian.org/is-bangladesh-on-the-verge-of-separation/) - Bangladesh’s political future has become increasingly uncertain since the outbreak of protests in June 2024 against reservation policies favoring descendants of freedom fighters. What began as a student-led agitation has since evolved into a broader crisis marked by leadership change, rising political violence, and deepening regional and ideological fault lines. Over the past year and
- [India’s Exploitation of Hydropower Resources](https://slguardian.org/indias-exploitation-of-hydropower-resources/) - India’s control over the hydropower resources in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) represents a key component of its broader strategy to economically dominate and politically subjugate the region. With the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), a state-owned enterprise, at the helm of this exploitation, the natural wealth of IIOJK is being plundered,
- [Sri Lanka Was Meant to Be Socialist](https://slguardian.org/sri-lanka-was-meant-to-be-socialist/) - Ninety years ago, on 18 December 1935, a handful of young people came together to establish the Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon). Leslie Goonewardena, General Secretary of the LSSP from 1935 to 1977, later wrote that the party was founded because “there was a void to be filled”. On the
- [Maersk Vessel Transits Red Sea for First Time in Nearly Two Years](https://slguardian.org/maersk-vessel-transits-red-sea-for-first-time-in-nearly-two-years/) - Danish shipping company Maersk said on Friday that one of its vessels has successfully navigated the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait for the first time in nearly two years, though the company stressed it has no immediate plans to fully resume traffic along the route. In a statement, Maersk said the vessel Maersk
- [Bangladesh Tightens Security After Youth Leader’s Death Sparks Violent Protests](https://slguardian.org/bangladesh-tightens-security-after-youth-leaders-death-sparks-violent-protests/) - Police and paramilitary forces were deployed across Dhaka and several other cities on Friday following violent overnight protests triggered by the death of a prominent youth leader, raising concerns of further unrest ahead of Bangladesh’s national elections scheduled for February 12. Streets in the capital were largely calm on Friday morning, but residents expressed fears
- [Trump Signs Order to Ease Federal Marijuana Regulations, Opening Door to Major Policy Shift](https://slguardian.org/trump-signs-order-to-ease-federal-marijuana-regulations-opening-door-to-major-policy-shift/) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order recommending the loosening of federal regulations on marijuana, a move that could mark one of the most significant shifts in U.S. drug policy in decades. According to senior administration officials, the order directs the attorney general to move quickly toward reclassifying marijuana under the U.S.
- [Trump Administration Reviews Possible Approval of Nvidia AI Chip Shipments to China](https://slguardian.org/trump-administration-reviews-possible-approval-of-nvidia-ai-chip-shipments-to-china/) - The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has launched an internal review that could pave the way for the first shipments of Nvidia’s second-most powerful artificial intelligence chips to China, according to five sources familiar with the matter. The move would follow Trump’s recent pledge to allow sales of Nvidia’s H200 chips to China, subject
- [Murtaza Lakhani Rejects EU and UK Sanctions, Vows Legal Challenge](https://slguardian.org/murtaza-lakhani-rejects-eu-and-uk-sanctions-vows-legal-challenge/) - Businessman Murtaza Lakhani has strongly denied allegations underpinning recent sanctions imposed on him by the European Union and the United Kingdom, describing the measures as “unfounded, unfair and politically motivated.” In a statement released on Wednesday, a copy of which was received by the Sri Lanka Guardian, Lakhani said he does not own or control
- [Chile: A Bleeding Heart Yet Resilient Amidst Political Challenges](https://slguardian.org/chile-a-bleeding-heart-yet-resilient-amidst-political-challenges/) - The disappointment felt by many left-wing supporters in Latin America has been renewed with the recent democratic victory of the far right in Chile. This sentiment is particularly poignant as it reflects the struggles of those who identify politically with progressive ideals. Much of this disappointment stems from a simplistic and linear understanding of historical
- [UK Targets Russian Oil Producers and Tycoon Murtaza Lakhani](https://slguardian.org/uk-targets-russian-oil-producers-and-tycoon-murtaza-lakhani/) - The UK government on Thursday imposed sanctions on three smaller Russian oil producers—Tatneft PJSC, Russneft PJSC and NNK PJSC—as Western nations continue efforts to limit Russia’s energy revenues while a US-brokered peace deal between Moscow and Kyiv remains uncertain. The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation said the firms were sanctioned for “obtaining a benefit from
- [EU Leaders Face Critical Test Over Using Frozen Russian Assets to Fund Ukraine](https://slguardian.org/eu-leaders-face-critical-test-over-using-frozen-russian-assets-to-fund-ukraine/) - European Union leaders gathered in Brussels on Thursday for a high-stakes summit aimed at resolving disputes over whether to use frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine’s ongoing war effort. The summit, described by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas as a moment that “we just can't afford to fail,” underscores the bloc’s determination to maintain
- [BP Appoints Meg O’Neill as CEO in Historic Move Amid Strategic Reset](https://slguardian.org/bp-appoints-meg-oneill-as-ceo-in-historic-move-amid-strategic-reset/) - BP has named Meg O’Neill, the head of Australia’s Woodside Energy, as its new chief executive officer, effective April 1, following the sudden departure of Murray Auchincloss. O’Neill becomes BP’s first CEO appointed from outside the company in its more than 100-year history and the first woman to lead any of the world’s five largest
- [EU Must Reform or Risk Irrelevance Amid U.S.-China Rivalry, Blair and Dimon Report Warns](https://slguardian.org/eu-must-reform-or-risk-irrelevance-amid-u-s-china-rivalry-blair-and-dimon-report-warns/) - The European Union faces a pivotal moment as the intensifying rivalry between the United States and China creates a new era of global competition, according to a report led by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon. The report warns that without significant reforms, the EU risks becoming irrelevant in
- [Russia Orders Sale of Moscow Skyscraper to Reduce Russian Railways’ $50 Billion Debt](https://slguardian.org/russia-orders-sale-of-moscow-skyscraper-to-reduce-russian-railways-50-billion-debt/) - Russia’s government has instructed Russian Railways to sell a 62-floor skyscraper in central Moscow to help the state-owned railway monopoly pay down part of its $50 billion debt, three sources told Reuters. The move comes as Russian Railways, which employs around 700,000 people, faces declining revenues amid a sharp slowdown in Russia’s war-driven economy and
- [Zamzam: When Refuge Becomes a Killing Ground](https://slguardian.org/zamzam-when-refuge-becomes-a-killing-ground/) - The phrase with which the United Nations report on Sudan issued yesterday begins, “Three days of terror with no safe refuge”, is not merely descriptive but accusatory. It indicts not only the perpetrators of violence but also a global system that has grown accustomed to civilians being trapped in spaces that are supposedly protected yet
- [Top Gun in Orbit: U.S. and Chinese Satellites Are Now Dogfighting in Space](https://slguardian.org/top-gun-in-orbit-u-s-and-chinese-satellites-are-now-dogfighting-in-space/) - High above Earth, some 22,000 miles into space, an unacknowledged encounter in 2022 revealed how rapidly outer space is being transformed into a new arena of military competition. An American patrol satellite known as USA 270 maneuvered toward two newly launched Chinese spacecraft near geostationary orbit, approaching from behind with the sun at its back
- [From Border Crackdown to Boat Killings: How Stephen Miller’s Drug War Took a Lethal Turn](https://slguardian.org/from-border-crackdown-to-boat-killings-how-stephen-millers-drug-war-took-a-lethal-turn/) - What began as an aggressive plan to confront Mexican drug cartels has transformed into a far-reaching and lethal military campaign in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific, driven in large part by President Donald Trump’s homeland security adviser Stephen Miller, according to current and former U.S. officials. The effort, originally framed as a way to
- [India’s Aviation Pride Problem](https://slguardian.org/indias-aviation-pride-problem/) - The crisis in the modernisation of the Indian aviation industry is starkly reflected in the global context, where the inefficiencies of the Tejas programme and the continued reliance on outdated MiG-21 aircraft expose deeper structural failures. These shortcomings suggest that national pride has often overridden accountability, leaving India operationally vulnerable when technological ambition is not
- [Obedience Disguised as Anger](https://slguardian.org/obedience-disguised-as-anger/) - Across the world today, youth energy is being squandered — not for lack of ideals, but for lack of direction. Instead of confronting entrenched injustice, too many young voices are being recruited into hate: hate speech, online mobs, and cultural wars that protect inherited hierarchies while pretending to defend identity, faith, or nationhood. This is
- [Bondi Attack and the Politics of Falsehood](https://slguardian.org/bondi-attack-and-the-politics-of-falsehood/) - The terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney on December 14, 2025, was a harrowing act of violence that claimed 15 lives, including a child, and injured 42 others during a Hanukkah celebration organized by the Jewish community. Perpetrated by a father-son duo, Sajid Akram, 50, of Indian origin, and his Australian-born son Naveed Akram,
- [The New Mineral Cold War](https://slguardian.org/the-new-mineral-cold-war/) - In his second term, United States (US) President Donald Trump has elevated rare earth elements (REEs) and critical minerals to a top strategic priority, comparable to semiconductors, due to their indispensable role in defence, clean energy, electronics, and advanced manufacturing. Throughout 2025, the administration pursued an ambitious diversification strategy through international agreements, domestic incentives, and
- [Syria as a Zone of Denial](https://slguardian.org/syria-as-a-zone-of-denial/) - Three Americans - two service members and a civilian interpreter - were killed on December 13 in Syria in an ambush attack by an Islamic State (IS) group member, according to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), underlining questions regarding the role of the US in Syria. The continued US presence in Syria is one of
- [First We End the War, Then We Restart the Factories](https://slguardian.org/first-we-end-the-war-then-we-restart-the-factories/) - In mid-November 2025, at a United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) conference in Saudi Arabia, Basher Abdullah, an adviser to Sudan’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, said, ‘First, we need to end the war. Then, we have to restart the factories’. His comment was about Sudan’s appalling civil war, but it could have been about many countries
- [ The War on Terror, the War on Drugs, and Other Bedtime Stories for Grown Nations](https://slguardian.org/the-war-on-terror-the-war-on-drugs-and-other-bedtime-stories-for-grown-nations/) - If everything you thought you knew about the War on Terror were nothing more than a mirage—an extravagant shadow-play staged by geopolitical puppeteers—would you really be surprised? After all, the last two decades have taught us two things: nothing sells like fear, and nothing pays like chaos. Enter the familiar cast of characters: Obama, Clinton, McCain, Brennan,
- [In Venezuela, We Have Not Been Invaded](https://slguardian.org/in-venezuela-we-have-not-been-invaded/) - I am writing these words from Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, on December 12, 2025, one day after María Corina Machado, the newly appointed Nobel Peace Prize winner, said at a press conference in Oslo, Norway, in response to a journalist's question about whether she would accept a military invasion of Venezuela, that: Venezuela has
- [How Israeli Arms Are Shaping Thailand’s War With Cambodia](https://slguardian.org/how-israeli-arms-are-shaping-thailands-war-with-cambodia/) - Thailand’s renewed armed clashes with neighboring Cambodia have highlighted a clear military imbalance between the two countries, with Thailand enjoying a decisive advantage on land, in the air and at sea—an edge largely attributed to its extensive use of advanced weapons systems supplied by Israel, according to an analysis published by Haaretz. The fighting, which
- [Israel Signs Record-Breaking $35 Billion Gas Export Deal with Egypt](https://slguardian.org/israel-signs-record-breaking-35-billion-gas-export-deal-with-egypt/) - Israel has signed the largest natural gas export agreement in its history, sealing a deal with Egypt valued at 112 billion shekels (approximately $34.6 billion), Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday. In a public statement, Netanyahu said he had approved the agreement after ensuring that Israel’s security and other vital national interests were safeguarded.
- [Will Trump declare war on Venezuela tonight?](https://slguardian.org/will-trump-declare-war-on-venezuela-tonight/) - The iconic figure in contemporary American journalism Tucker Carlson said earlier today in the famous podcast Judging Freedom hosted by Judge Andrew Napolitano that US President Donald Trump will declare war on Venezuela in a speech scheduled for tonight. Gunboat diplomacy is getting a fresh lease of life. It signifies many things. The most obvious is that the leopard
- [China Bets Big on Hainan in $113 Billion Free-Trade Gamble](https://slguardian.org/china-bets-big-on-hainan-in-113-billion-free-trade-gamble/) - China has launched an ambitious free-trade experiment by transforming its southern island province of Hainan into a largely duty-free zone, a move officials hope will revive foreign investment and showcase Beijing’s commitment to trade liberalisation. The project effectively separates the island from the mainland for customs purposes, allowing goods, capital and services to circulate under
- [Guinea’s Iron Ore Dream Turns Sour as Simandou Sheds Jobs](https://slguardian.org/guineas-iron-ore-dream-turns-sour-as-simandou-sheds-jobs/) - Guinea’s long-awaited Simandou iron ore project, championed by the country’s military rulers as a cornerstone of economic renewal, is laying off thousands of workers even as it starts exporting ore for the first time. The contradiction has fuelled anger and anxiety across mining communities that had hoped the mega project would deliver lasting prosperity after
- [Chinese Brands Chase American Shoppers as Home Demand Falters](https://slguardian.org/chinese-brands-chase-american-shoppers-as-home-demand-falters/) - A growing wave of Chinese consumer brands is expanding into the United States, betting that higher margins and deeper pockets among American shoppers can offset slowing demand at home. Throughout 2025, companies ranging from toy seller Pop Mart and lifestyle chain Miniso to sportswear heavyweight Anta and fast-fashion label Urban Revivo have announced new U.S.
- [China Builds EUV Chip Machine Prototype, Raising Stakes in Global Tech Race](https://slguardian.org/china-builds-euv-chip-machine-prototype-raising-stakes-in-global-tech-race/) - In a high-security lab in Shenzhen, Chinese scientists have built a working prototype of an extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machine, a breakthrough Reuters reports could bring China closer to producing the advanced semiconductor chips that power artificial intelligence, smartphones, and military technology. Completed in early 2025, the machine fills almost an entire factory floor and was
- [India’s SEBI Proposes Stricter M&A Rules to Protect Minority Investors](https://slguardian.org/indias-sebi-proposes-stricter-ma-rules-to-protect-minority-investors/) - India’s securities regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), is planning significant reforms to its merger and acquisition rules, including barring acquiring companies from offering higher prices or additional compensation to major shareholders, according to two sources familiar with the matter who spoke to Reuters. The proposed changes aim to level the playing
- [United States Approves Record $11.1 Billion Arms Sale to Taiwan](https://slguardian.org/united-states-approves-record-11-1-billion-arms-sale-to-taiwan/) - The United States on Wednesday approved $11.1 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, marking the largest weapons package ever offered to the island, which faces increasing military and diplomatic pressure from China. The move comes under U.S. President Donald Trump’s current administration and is the second arms deal announced during his second term, reflecting Washington’s
- [India: Myth-Making at the Movies](https://slguardian.org/myth-making-at-the-movies/) - Upon its release in December 2025, Dhurandhar was readily accepted as another commercial success in the profitable Bollywood spy genre, and box office collections saw its revenue soaring well past 350 crores in the weeks after its release. Domestic critics praised the acts of Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna, and numerous audiences hailed the movie
- [Lok Sabha Clears Nuclear Bill, Opening Door to Private Players Amid Opposition Walkout](https://slguardian.org/lok-sabha-clears-nuclear-bill-opening-door-to-private-players-amid-opposition-walkout/) - The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Nuclear Energy Bill aimed at opening India’s nuclear power sector to private participation, marking a major shift in the country’s long-standing approach to atomic energy. The legislation, formally titled the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, was approved by voice vote even
- [Trump’s $1 Million “Gold Card” Visa Struggles to Attract Interest](https://slguardian.org/trumps-1-million-gold-card-visa-struggles-to-attract-interest/) - Nearly a week after the Trump administration opened applications for its $1 million “Gold Card” visa, early signs suggest the programme has failed to generate meaningful interest among potential applicants, including wealthy Indians who were expected to be a key target group. Immigration experts say the scheme’s lack of clarity, legal ambiguity and absence of
- [Inside Israel’s Secret War on Iran’s Nuclear Scientists](https://slguardian.org/inside-israels-secret-war-on-irans-nuclear-scientists/) - As preparations for a broader military confrontation neared completion, Israel quietly launched one of the most consequential covert operations in the long shadow war with Iran: the systematic targeting of the country’s top nuclear scientists. A joint investigation by the Washington Post and PBS Frontline has uncovered new details about Operation Narnia, the assassination campaign
- [Trump Reviews Book Exploring Path to a Third Term, Raising Fresh Constitutional Questions](https://slguardian.org/trump-reviews-book-exploring-path-to-a-third-term-raising-fresh-constitutional-questions/) - President Donald Trump recently received and discussed a draft of a forthcoming book by constitutional lawyer Alan Dershowitz that examines whether Trump could legally serve a third term as president, according to an interview Dershowitz gave to The Wall Street Journal. The conversation, which took place during a meeting in the Oval Office, has reignited
- [Dan Bongino Exits FBI Leadership After Turbulent Tenure Under Trump](https://slguardian.org/dan-bongino-exits-fbi-leadership-after-turbulent-tenure-under-trump/) - Dan Bongino announced on Wednesday that he is stepping down as deputy director of the FBI, ending a nine-month stint that was frequently overshadowed by conflict with Justice Department leaders and resistance within the bureau’s own ranks. The announcement brings an abrupt close to one of the most unconventional leadership chapters in the FBI’s recent
- [Elon Musk Ally Takes the Helm at NASA as America Prepares to Return to the Moon](https://slguardian.org/elon-musk-ally-takes-the-helm-at-nasa-as-america-prepares-to-return-to-the-moon/) - After months of political turbulence and scrutiny in Washington, tech billionaire and private astronaut Jared Isaacman has been confirmed as the next administrator of NASA, placing a leading advocate of commercial spaceflight at the head of the US space agency at one of its most consequential moments in decades. The US Senate approved his appointment
- [Delhi’s Toxic Air: A Crisis Without an Endgame](https://slguardian.org/delhis-toxic-air-a-crisis-without-an-endgame/) - India’s capital, Delhi, has been suffering from poor Air Quality Index (AQI) levels during certain periods every year. On 15 December 2025, the AQI was recorded as high as 452. An AQI above 400 signifies “severe” to “hazardous” air quality, meaning the air is toxic and can cause immediate health effects such as burning eyes,
- [Bombers at Japan’s Doorstep](https://slguardian.org/bombers-at-japans-doorstep/) - On December 16, 2025, Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi reiterated serious concern over a China-Russia joint bomber flights near the Shikoku region in western Japan. Koizumi's remarks came in response to a joint flight exercise held on December 9, 2025, when two Russian Tu-95 bombers flew from the Sea of Japan and rendezvoused with two
- [Exclusive:  Sheikh Hasina Speaks Out](https://slguardian.org/exclusive-sheikh-hasina-speaks-out/) - In an exclusive interview with Sri Lanka Guardian, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina has delivered some of her strongest criticisms yet of the country’s current interim administration. Speaking to our Special Correspondent in New Delhi, Ayanjit Sen, Sheikh Hasina outlined what she described as a grave political, economic, and humanitarian crisis unfolding under
- [The Fabulous Hallucinations of the European Leaders ](https://slguardian.org/the-fabulous-hallucinations-of-the-european-leaders/) - Sitting in a lively room in the University of Amsterdam, I ask a question about the respect accorded by students to their former Prime Minister and now head of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), Mark Rutte. The room is animated and funny. No-one seems to accord Rutte with the respect that he might deserve.
- [The Angry Tide Has Washed Into Chile](https://slguardian.org/the-angry-tide-has-washed-into-chile/) - On 14 December, the predictable happened: José Antonio Kast, the candidate of the far-right Republican Party, prevailed over Jeannette Jara of the Communist Party of Chile by 58.16 percent to 41.84 percent. Kast ran as the candidate of the Cambio por Chile (Change for Chile) platform and was backed by all the parties of the
- [China and the Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine](https://slguardian.org/china-and-the-trump-corollary-to-the-monroe-doctrine/) - On 10 December 2025, U.S. forces seized the oil tanker Skipper off the coast of Venezuela, carrying over a million barrels of crude. “Well, we keep [the oil],” President Trump told reporters. Venezuela's foreign ministry called it “blatant theft and an act of international piracy,” adding: “The true reasons for the prolonged aggression against Venezuela have finally
- [Ramifications of Sinwar Death](https://slguardian.org/ramifications-of-sinwar-death/) - Warning: This article contains graphic images and descriptions that may be disturbing to some readers. We aim to provide an honest portrayal of the events while respecting the dignity of those affected. Please proceed with caution. - Editors Vengeance came swiftly for Yahya Sinwar than it did for Osama bin Laden—by a factor of 10—but
- [Exclusive: Sheikh Hasina Talks to Sri Lanka Guardian on Bangladesh Crisis](https://slguardian.org/exclusive-sheikh-hasina-talks-to-sri-lanka-guardian-on-bangladesh-crisis/) - Bangladesh’s deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has accused the country's Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, of sponsoring extremist elements and has called for his departure ahead of the forthcoming national elections. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Sri Lanka Guardian from an undisclosed location in India, where she is currently staying, Hasina made the remarks to
- [JPMorgan Pulls Hundreds of Billions From Fed as Rate Cuts Loom](https://slguardian.org/jpmorgan-pulls-hundreds-of-billions-from-fed-as-rate-cuts-loom/) - JPMorgan Chase has withdrawn almost $350 billion in cash from its account at the Federal Reserve since 2023, redirecting much of the money into US government debt as it prepares for an era of lower interest rates that threatens to squeeze bank profits. The scale of the move underscores how aggressively the country’s biggest bank
- [Chance Discovery in Italian Alps Uncovers One of the World’s Largest Dinosaur Trackways](https://slguardian.org/chance-discovery-in-italian-alps-uncovers-one-of-the-worlds-largest-dinosaur-trackways/) - A chance encounter by a wildlife photographer stalking deer in the Italian Alps has led to the discovery of thousands of dinosaur footprints, forming one of the largest and most significant trackway collections ever found in Europe. The footprints, some measuring up to 40 centimetres across and preserving detailed impressions of toes and claws, are
- [China–Japan Tensions Cool Tourist Flows as November Arrivals Dip Sharply](https://slguardian.org/china-japan-tensions-cool-tourist-flows-as-november-arrivals-dip-sharply/) - The number of visitors arriving in Japan from China fell sharply in November compared with the previous month, reflecting rising political tensions between Beijing and Tokyo, even as annual figures showed modest growth. According to data released on Wednesday by the Japan National Tourism Organization, 562,600 Chinese travellers visited Japan during the month, representing a
- [She Slept With a Sugar Daddy to Escape Debt — and Says Thousands of Students Are Doing the Same](https://slguardian.org/she-slept-with-a-sugar-daddy-to-escape-debt-and-says-thousands-of-students-are-doing-the-same/) - When Michelle Gurule agreed to meet a man she barely knew at a Cheesecake Factory in Denver in 2015, she was not chasing luxury or indulgence. She was a 24-year-old college student buried under $35,000 of debt, juggling low-paid work, stripping shifts, and the daily anxiety of not knowing how she would survive financially. That
- [Warner Bros Poised to Snub $108bn Hostile Bid as Streaming Power Struggle Intensifies](https://slguardian.org/warner-bros-poised-to-snub-108bn-hostile-bid-as-streaming-power-struggle-intensifies/) - Warner Bros Discovery is preparing to rebuff a $108.4 billion hostile takeover bid from Paramount Skydance, with its board expected to advise shareholders to vote against the proposal and reaffirm support for Netflix’s $82.7 billion acquisition offer. A formal decision could be announced as early as Wednesday, according to reports close to the matter, marking
- [Trump Inner Circle Erupts After Vanity Fair Profile Sparks White House Fury](https://slguardian.org/trump-inner-circle-erupts-after-vanity-fair-profile-sparks-white-house-fury/) - The Trump White House has launched a fierce counterattack against Vanity Fair after the publication of an unusually candid profile of Susie Wiles, the president’s chief of staff, triggered outrage across the administration. Wiles, President Trump’s most senior adviser, accused the magazine of distorting her words to construct what she called a damaging and misleading
- [Hackers Claim Massive Breach of Pornhub User Data, Raising Blackmail Fears](https://slguardian.org/hackers-claim-massive-breach-of-pornhub-user-data-raising-blackmail-fears/) - Hackers have claimed responsibility for stealing vast amounts of personal data linked to Pornhub, one of the world’s largest adult websites, sparking fears that users could face blackmail or extortion if the information is leaked or sold. The ShinyHunters hacking group says it has obtained 200 million records connected to the site’s premium customers. According
- [Thailand-Cambodia Border Clashes Escalate, Civilian Toll Rises](https://slguardian.org/thailand-cambodia-border-clashes-escalate-civilian-toll-rises/) - Fresh bombings by Thai fighter jets have intensified the ongoing conflict along the Cambodia-Thailand border, prompting mass evacuations and raising concerns over civilian safety. On December 15, Thai F-16 jets dropped two bombs near the Srei Snam district border in Siem Reap province, according to Cambodia’s National Defence Ministry, sparking a new wave of residents
- [Tibet-in-Exile Rejects China’s Role in Dalai Lama Reincarnation](https://slguardian.org/tibet-in-exile-rejects-chinas-role-in-dalai-lama-reincarnation/) - The Tibetan government-in-exile has strongly condemned comments made by the China-appointed Panchen Lama regarding the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, asserting that the ultimate authority over the process remains exclusively with the Dalai Lama himself. Speaking to Indian news agency ANI, Tibetan government spokesperson Tenzin Lekshay said, “Tibetans and all the followers of Buddhism believe
- [U.S. Seizure of Oil Tanker Deepens PDVSA Crisis as Venezuelan Crude Piles Up](https://slguardian.org/u-s-seizure-of-oil-tanker-deepens-pdvsa-crisis-as-venezuelan-crude-piles-up/) - Venezuela’s state-run oil company PDVSA is grappling with a growing backlog of unsold crude, widening price discounts and mounting pressure from customers after the United States seized an oil tanker carrying Venezuelan oil, according to traders and industry sources. The seizure, carried out last week by the U.S. Coast Guard near Venezuela’s coast, marked the
- [Corporate AI Dreams Hit Reality Check as Businesses Struggle to Turn Hype Into Profits](https://slguardian.org/corporate-ai-dreams-hit-reality-check-as-businesses-struggle-to-turn-hype-into-profits/) - When CellarTracker rolled out an AI-powered sommelier last spring, the goal was to give users blunt, personalized wine advice. Instead, the chatbot proved too agreeable, praising bottles that users were almost certain to dislike. It took weeks of fine-tuning to convince the system to offer honest criticism, a small but telling example of the broader
- [Pentagon Weighs Historic Military Power Shift as Trump Pushes Command Overhaul](https://slguardian.org/pentagon-weighs-historic-military-power-shift-as-trump-pushes-command-overhaul/) - Senior Pentagon officials are preparing a far-reaching plan that could significantly alter the structure of the U.S. military’s top leadership, according to reporting by The Washington Post. The proposal, which has not yet been approved, would downgrade several of the military’s most powerful regional headquarters and consolidate command authority under new umbrella organizations, marking one
- [Bondi Beach Bloodshed Exposes Deep Extremist Links and Security Failures](https://slguardian.org/bondi-beach-bloodshed-exposes-deep-extremist-links-and-security-failures/) - Fresh details have emerged about the Bondi Beach massacre, revealing that alleged gunman Naveed Akram was previously involved with a street preaching group in Sydney’s west that has longstanding connections to multiple Islamic State devotees. Authorities are now examining how Akram and his father, Sajid Akram, were able to plan and execute what police describe
- [Trump’s Second Term Tests Democracy as Susie Wiles Stands Between Power and Peril](https://slguardian.org/trumps-second-term-tests-democracy-as-susie-wiles-stands-between-power-and-peril/) - A second installment of Vanity Fair’s extensive insider reporting on Donald Trump’s second presidency reveals an administration increasingly defined by political backlash, conspiracy-driven pressures, and the personal authority of White House chief of staff Susie Wiles. Drawn from months of interviews conducted by Vanity Fair writer Chris Whipple, the account expands on how Wiles has
- [How Susie Wiles Became the Most Powerful Woman in Washington](https://slguardian.org/how-susie-wiles-became-the-most-powerful-woman-in-washington/) - An extraordinary insider portrait of Donald Trump’s second presidency has emerged through a series of on-the-record interviews with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, offering a rare and unsettling look at how power is wielded inside the West Wing. The account, published by Vanity Fair and reported by writer Chris Whipple, chronicles a presidency
- [Sydney Attack: ISIS Imprints Are Dangerously Alarming](https://slguardian.org/sydney-attack-isis-imprints-are-dangerously-alarming/) - The recent Sydney Bondi Beach attack, where two gunmen carried out mass shootings on the beach, specifically targeting the Jewish community. However, what was concerning about this terror attack was the ISIS influence. According to a report, one of the Bondi Beach gunmen came to the attention of Australia's domestic intelligence agency six years ago
- [How Long Can Palantir’s Monopoly Last?](https://slguardian.org/how-long-can-palantirs-monopoly-last/) - Palantir CEO Alex Karp’s description of the company’s quarterly earnings in August 2025 as “once in a generation” wasn’t far-fetched. It surpassed $1 billion in quarterly revenue for the first time, after only turning profitable in 2022. Its surge has made it an outlier: still too small by revenue to crack the Fortune 500, its roughly $400 billion market value
- [From Easter Sunday to Bondi Beach](https://slguardian.org/from-easter-sunday-to-bondi-beach/) - The contrast between Sri Lanka after the Easter Sunday attacks in 2019 and Australia after the Bondi Beach incident in 2025 offers a rare and instructive case study in how states, intelligence systems and societies respond to violence involving Muslim individuals, and how those responses can either fracture or fortify national cohesion. While the two
- [Hate Without Borders](https://slguardian.org/hate-without-borders/) - On December 14, a mass shooting took place at Bondi Beach in Sydney during the Hanukkah celebration, attended by members of the Jewish community. At least 16 people were killed and at least 39 injured, when two gunmen - a father-and-son duo, Sajid Akram (50), of Pakistani origin, and Naveed Akram (24), from the city's
- [When the Dead Awaken in Chile](https://slguardian.org/when-the-dead-awaken-in-chile/) - The election of Jose Antonio Kast as Chile's president on December 14, 2025, marks a critical inflection point in Latin America's political trajectory and reflects a wider global shift toward far-right and hard-right governance. Kast's victory - the first for an openly far-right leader in Chile since the end of Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship in 1990
- ["No" To Article 5-like Security Guarantees](https://slguardian.org/no-to-article-5-like-security-guarantees/) - The idea of offering unilateral US security guarantees to Ukraine is an appalling idea that risks war with Russia. It means the US is willing to go to war to defend Ukraine, and gives the Ukrainians a license to stir up trouble, instigate provocations, and drag America into a confrontation with Russia. Such a guarantee
- [Chile: Pinochetism Returns to Power](https://slguardian.org/chile-pinochetism-returns-to-power/) - José A. Kast's resounding victory in the runoff election is bound to have a profound influence on Chile. A solid, neo-fascist, extreme right-wing force consolidated as a result of the convergence of two radical variants of Pinochetism —one led by Kast and the other, even more extreme, by Johannes Kaiser— to which rushed to join
- [Ford Slams Brakes on Electric Push with $19.5 Billion Charge](https://slguardian.org/ford-slams-brakes-on-electric-push-with-19-5-billion-charge/) - Ford Motor said Monday it will take a massive $19.5 billion writedown and cancel several major electric-vehicle programs, marking one of the clearest signs yet that the global auto industry is retreating from its once-ambitious push into battery-powered vehicles. The move comes as electric vehicle demand weakens sharply in the United States and federal support
- [Musk Shatters Wealth Record at $600 Billion](https://slguardian.org/musk-shatters-wealth-record-at-600-billion/) - Elon Musk became the first individual in history to amass a personal fortune of $600 billion on Monday, according to Forbes, driven largely by soaring valuations tied to his private space company SpaceX and renewed momentum across his business empire. The milestone underscores Musk’s growing dominance at the intersection of technology, transportation and artificial intelligence.
- [Serbian Minister Indicted Over Kushner-Linked Luxury Project](https://slguardian.org/serbian-minister-indicted-over-kushner-linked-luxury-project/) - Serbia’s public prosecutor on Monday filed an indictment against the country’s culture minister over his alleged role in stripping protected status from a historically significant site, a decision that cleared the way for a luxury real estate project linked to an investment company founded by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump. The
- [Peacekeeping Isn’t Fair](https://slguardian.org/peacekeeping-isnt-fair/) - Nobody’s impressed by big speeches about global governance anymore. What people actually care about is whether these institutions hold themselves accountable. You hear all the talk about humanitarian values and shared security, all those grand ideas. But when you see how things play out, it’s obvious that the rules don’t apply to everyone in the
- [MI6 Chief: The Future of War Is in the Shadows](https://slguardian.org/mi6-chief-the-future-of-war-is-in-the-shadows/) - In her first public address as head of MI6, Blaise Metreweli offered a sweeping and detailed vision for the future of Britain’s foreign intelligence service, drawing on her decades-long career in espionage and technological innovation. Speaking from a private dining room at MI6 headquarters in Vauxhall, Metreweli, the youngest and first female head of the
- [US Urges Ukraine to Drop NATO Ambition in Berlin Talks](https://slguardian.org/us-urges-ukraine-to-drop-nato-ambition-in-berlin-talks/) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy resumed negotiations with U.S. envoys in Berlin on Monday, following a day of intense diplomatic discussions aimed at ending Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two. Zelenskiy met with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and former President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner after five hours of talks on Sunday, while other European
- [India Passes Controversial Nuclear Bill Shielding Suppliers from Liability](https://slguardian.org/india-passes-controversial-nuclear-bill-shielding-suppliers-from-liability/) - India’s government introduced a sweeping nuclear energy bill in the lower house of parliament on Monday, seeking approval to replace the country’s existing two nuclear laws. The proposed legislation, named the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India, 2025, drastically limits liability for equipment suppliers, placing responsibility solely on plant operators while
- [Japan’s largest bank looks to expand in India](https://slguardian.org/japans-largest-bank-looks-to-expand-in-india/) - Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc. is reportedly close to acquiring a minority stake in India’s Shriram Finance Ltd., Bloomberg reported, signaling the latest move by a global bank to deepen its presence in the Indian market. People familiar with the matter said MUFG may invest more than ¥500 billion ($3.2 billion) for around a 20%
- [China Eases Critical Mineral Rules for European Companies](https://slguardian.org/china-eases-critical-mineral-rules-for-european-companies/) - China has started granting licenses with extended terms to allow European companies to import critical minerals essential for industries including clean technology, automakers, and defense contractors, the European Commission’s trade chief Maros Sefcovic told Bloomberg Television. The move comes after months of industry complaints that the previous licensing process, introduced in April, was overly bureaucratic
- [Meta Profits From China Scam Ads Despite Internal Warnings](https://slguardian.org/meta-profits-from-china-scam-ads-despite-internal-warnings/) - A Reuters investigation has found that Meta, the owner of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, chose to tolerate high levels of fraudulent advertising from China despite internal findings that billions of dollars in revenue were tied to scams, illegal gambling and other banned content. Internal company documents reviewed by Reuters show Meta executives were concerned about
- [Reuters Test Shows How Scam Ads Slip Easily Through Meta’s Safeguards](https://slguardian.org/reuters-test-shows-how-scam-ads-slip-easily-through-metas-safeguards/) - For one week in November, Facebook and Instagram users around the world were shown advertisements promising a 10% weekly return on investments, an implausible figure that would translate into annual gains exceeding 14,000%. The ads showed cash and cryptocurrency raining down on a man at his computer and asked viewers if they wanted similar profits.
- [Russia Sues Euroclear for $229 Billion Over Frozen Assets](https://slguardian.org/russia-sues-euroclear-for-229-billion-over-frozen-assets/) - Russia’s central bank has filed a lawsuit seeking 18.2 trillion roubles ($229.36 billion) in damages from Belgian central securities depository Euroclear, the Moscow court announced on Monday. The suit targets Euroclear because it holds the majority of Russian assets frozen by the European Union following Moscow’s military action in Ukraine. Russia is challenging the EU’s
- [Trump Administration Seeks 1,000 Engineers for Federal Roles](https://slguardian.org/trump-administration-seeks-1000-engineers-for-federal-roles/) - The Trump administration has launched an initiative to hire 1,000 engineers for two-year assignments within federal government agencies, according to a government website viewed by Reuters on Monday. The campaign targets professionals with expertise in software engineering, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data analytics, with most positions based in Washington, D.C. The program is designed to
- [Is Aung San Suu Kyi Still Alive? Son Voices Fears Amid Myanmar Silence](https://slguardian.org/is-aung-san-suu-kyi-still-alive-son-voices-fears-amid-myanmar-silence/) - Kim Aris, the son of Myanmar’s detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, has voiced fears that he may not even know if his 80-year-old mother is still alive. Speaking to Reuters, Aris said he has not heard from Suu Kyi in years and has only received sporadic, secondhand updates about her health, which has
- [Venezuela’s Unfinished Revolution](https://slguardian.org/venezuelas-unfinished-revolution/) - Venezuela’s Bolivarian Revolution was a watershed moment in the history of the class struggle. It was a ray of light in the dark years following the collapse of Stalinism. Long before the 2008 crisis, Occupy, BLM, or the rise of Sanders or Mamdani, it gave credibility to anti-capitalism, anti-imperialism, and socialism. Hugo Chávez embodied the
- [Who Is Killing Bangladesh?](https://slguardian.org/who-is-killing-bangladesh/) - Bangladesh has descended from the blood-soaked birth of 1971 into the bottomless gulf of 2024 and 2025. Bangladesh today stands on the edge of a perilous abyss. The nation that was born in a bay of blood in 1971—through unspeakable sacrifice, courage, and moral clarity—now appears to be unravelling in every conceivable respect. What confronts
- [Why “Shared Future” Matters Now](https://slguardian.org/why-shared-future-matters-now/) - When I was working on this new podcast, one question kept showing up in my notes: Why does the idea of a “shared future” receive increasing global recognition now? Not ten years ago. Not twenty. But now. The world isn’t short on challenges. Economic recovery feels fragile. Conflicts flare up with unsettling frequency. Climate anxiety
- [Breaking the Maoists from Within](https://slguardian.org/breaking-the-maoists-from-within/) - On December 11, 2025, two Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) cadres, Deepak aka Sudhakar, a 'Divisional Committee Member (DVCM)' and Rohit aka Manglu, an 'area committee member (ACM)' surrendered at the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in Korka under the Birsa Police Station limits in Balaghat District of Madhya Pradesh. Rewards of INR 2.9 million and INR 1.4
- [Bangladesh’s Silent Cleansing](https://slguardian.org/bangladeshs-silent-cleansing/) - On December 7, 2025, Police recovered the bodies of Hindu freedom fighter Yogesh Chandra Roy (75) and his wife Subarna Roy (60) from their home in North Rahimapur in Taraganj Upazila (Sub-District) of Rangpur District. Initial findings suggest both died from head injuries. On December 5, 2025, a Hindu fish trader, Utpal Sarkar, was killed by unidentified
- [Not All Mass Shootings Are the Same](https://slguardian.org/not-all-mass-shootings-are-the-same/) - Two mass-casualty incidents occurring on December 13-14, 2025, on opposite sides of the globe underscore the fundamentally complex and divergent threat environments confronting national security and law enforcement agencies worldwide. While the terrorist attack in Sydney, Australia, on December 14, represents a manifestation of internationally-linked, ideologically driven jihadist violence with discernible operational and geographic antecedents, the shooting
- [Exclusive: Terror Warning Missed Before Deadly Sydney Hanukkah Shooting](https://slguardian.org/exclusive-terror-warning-missed-before-deadly-sydney-hanukkah-shooting/) - Updated Story: Australia is reeling after a devastating mass shooting at Bondi Beach on Sunday claimed the lives of at least 16 people, including a Holocaust survivor, a young French professional exploring life in Sydney, and a well-known rabbi who had publicly spoken about fighting hatred with joy. The attack, which unfolded during a Chanukah
- [Britain already at war’s edge as MI6 chief warns Russia’s chaos has reached home](https://slguardian.org/britain-already-at-wars-edge-as-mi6-chief-warns-russias-chaos-has-reached-home/) - Britain is already on the front line of confrontation with Russia, the head of MI6 will warn, as Moscow escalates a campaign of disinformation, sabotage and cyberattacks designed to destabilise the West. In her first public speech since becoming chief of the Secret Intelligence Service, Blaise Metreweli will say the country has entered an age
- [Oxfam chief forced out after bullying claims rock charity](https://slguardian.org/oxfam-chief-forced-out-after-bullying-claims-rock-charity/) - The chief executive of Oxfam has stepped down after trustees concluded that allegations of bullying and misconduct had caused an irretrievable breakdown in trust, marking the latest crisis for one of Britain’s largest charities. Halima Begum, who had led the organisation for nearly two years, was removed following an external investigation into claims that she
- [Xi Targets “Fake Growth” as China Cracks Down on Reckless Projects](https://slguardian.org/xi-targets-fake-growth-as-china-cracks-down-on-reckless-projects/) - Chinese President Xi Jinping has delivered a rare and blunt rebuke to local officials for inflating growth figures and pursuing “reckless” development projects designed to produce superficial results rather than real economic value. Speaking at last week’s Central Economic Work Conference, Xi warned that exaggerated statistics, wasteful construction and poorly planned investments would no longer
- [China’s Coal Power Use Heads for First Annual Fall in a Decade](https://slguardian.org/chinas-coal-power-use-heads-for-first-annual-fall-in-a-decade/) - China’s fossil fuel power plants are on course to record their first annual decline in electricity generation in nearly a decade, as a rapid expansion of renewable energy capacity increasingly meets the country’s growing power needs. According to official data cited by Bloomberg, thermal power generation, which includes coal- and gas-fired plants, fell 4.2 per
- [India Emerges as Safe Haven as AI Trade Loses Its Shine](https://slguardian.org/india-emerges-as-safe-haven-as-ai-trade-loses-its-shine/) - India is drawing renewed interest from global fund managers seeking to diversify equity portfolios as concerns grow that the global artificial intelligence rally may be losing momentum. According to Bloomberg, several major asset managers see Indian stocks as well positioned to benefit if investors begin rotating away from tech-heavy markets that have been driven by
- [Hong Kong: Jimmy Lai Convicted Under Security Law, Faces Possible Life Sentence](https://slguardian.org/hong-kong-jimmy-lai-convicted-under-security-law-faces-possible-life-sentence/) - Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai Chee-ying was found guilty on Monday of collusion with foreign forces and sedition in a closely watched national security trial that critics say symbolises the city’s dramatic political transformation. The verdict, delivered at the West Kowloon Law Courts Building, leaves the 78-year-old facing the possibility of
- [Australia: Father-Son Terror Attack at Bondi Beach](https://slguardian.org/australia-father-son-terror-attack-at-bondi-beach/) - The mass casualty attack that occurred yesterday in Australia represents more than an isolated act of violence; it reflects a dangerous convergence of antisemitism, geopolitical polarisation, and evolving patterns of radicalisation. With 16 people killed, including a child, and more than 40 wounded, the incident has shaken public confidence, strained diplomatic relationships, and exposed new
- [UK Legal Sector Booms as Revenue Soars 65% in a Decade](https://slguardian.org/uk-legal-sector-booms-as-revenue-soars-65-in-a-decade/) - Legal services revenue in the United Kingdom has surged by 65 per cent over the past ten years, with income from British lawyers increasing more than 10 per cent in just the past year to £38 billion, according to a report highlighted by The Times UK. TheCityUK, a lobbying group behind the report, said the
- [Hong Kong’s Democracy Dies in Silence](https://slguardian.org/hong-kongs-democracy-dies-in-silence/) - by Our Foreign Affairs Editor The dissolution of Hong Kong’s Democratic Party marks not just the end of a political organisation, but the symbolic death of institutionalised democracy in the city. After 31 years of navigating the fraught waters between colonial governance, Beijing’s authority, and the aspirations of Hong Kong’s citizens, the Democratic Party formally
- [Springer Nature Faces Backlash Over ‘Fake’ Citations in AI Ethics Book](https://slguardian.org/springer-nature-faces-backlash-over-fake-citations-in-ai-ethics-book/) - Springer Nature, one of the world’s largest academic publishers, is facing criticism after a newly released book on AI ethics was found to contain numerous questionable and potentially fabricated citations. The book, Social, Ethical and Legal Aspects of Generative AI, is marketed as an authoritative review of ethical dilemmas in artificial intelligence research but includes
- [South Asia and China Face Stark Inequality, World Inequality Report Shows](https://slguardian.org/south-asia-and-china-face-stark-inequality-world-inequality-report-shows/) - Inequality remains deeply entrenched across South Asia and China, according to the recently published World Inequality Report 2026, with vast gaps in income and wealth and persistent gender disparities. In India, inequality is among the highest globally, with the top 10% of earners capturing 58% of national income while the bottom 50% receive just 15%.
- [Trump Faces Backlash From Allies Over Sweeping AI Executive Order](https://slguardian.org/trump-faces-backlash-from-allies-over-sweeping-ai-executive-order/) - President Donald Trump is facing sharp criticism from key allies after signing the “Ensuring a National Policy Framework for AI” executive order, a sweeping directive aimed at establishing federal control over artificial intelligence that would override state-level regulations. The move has intensified tensions within the conservative movement, with figures like Steve Bannon publicly denouncing the
- [Europe Warns of AI “Pedo Bots” and Looming Robot Crime Wave](https://slguardian.org/europe-warns-of-ai-pedo-bots-and-looming-robot-crime-wave/) - Europe’s top law enforcement agency has issued a stark warning about the growing risks posed by AI-powered social robots, including the potential for exploitation in child grooming and other criminal activities. The Europol report, titled “The Unmanned Future(s),” highlights how emerging technologies designed to simulate empathy and human interaction could be manipulated by criminals and
- [When 56,000 People Own the World](https://slguardian.org/when-56000-people-own-the-world/) - Editorial The World Inequality Report 2026 does not merely describe a malfunctioning global economy; it indicts it. What emerges from its data is not an unfortunate imbalance or a temporary distortion, but a deliberately engineered order in which extreme concentration of wealth has become the organising principle of the world system. The most obscene statistic
- [Sri Lanka’s Long Entanglement with Foreign Power](https://slguardian.org/sri-lankas-long-entanglement-with-foreign-power/) - The involvement of foreign troops in disaster relief efforts in Sri Lanka underscores how real-world circumstances continually shape the dynamics of geopolitics. It also serves as a striking example of how such realities can compel ruling elites in smaller nations to shift away from their textbook ideologies. Mr. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who now serves as
- [The Extortion Crisis in Canada](https://slguardian.org/the-extortion-crisis-in-canada/) - On December 8, 2025, the British Columbia (B.C.) Extortion Task Force announced charges against Avtar Singh for unlawfully discharging a firearm. The charges relate to a November 12, 2025, incident in which a residence on 32nd Avenue in Surrey was shot at. On November 8, 2025, another shooting incident occurred at a home near the
- [Bulgaria’s Gen Z Revolt](https://slguardian.org/bulgarias-gen-z-revolt/) - On December 12, 2025, Prime Minister of Bulgaria Rosen Zhelyazkov resigned after protesters took to the streets in cities across the country and filled the centre of the capital Sofia in the night of December 11. Between 50,000 and 100,000 people turned out in Sofia's central Triangle of Power and Independence Square, calling for the
- [Saudi Arabia Linked to Grain Shipments From Sanctioned Crimean Port](https://slguardian.org/saudi-arabia-linked-to-grain-shipments-from-sanctioned-crimean-port/) - A joint investigation by Bellingcat and Lloyd’s List has identified Saudi Arabia as the latest country to import grain shipped directly from a Western-sanctioned port in occupied Crimea, underscoring Russia’s continued efforts to commercialize the territory while pushing for international recognition under a US-backed peace framework. According to satellite imagery and Automated Identification System data
- [Who Pays for Climate Collapse?](https://slguardian.org/who-pays-for-climate-collapse/) - Climate change is often discussed in numbers, targets, and pledges. Yet for millions across the world’s most vulnerable states, climate change is not a statistic. It is loss, grief, and survival. Pakistan’s call for equitable and accessible climate finance at the United Nations Environment Assembly gives voice to this human reality, not only for itself,
- [Sri Lanka’s Test of Inclusion](https://slguardian.org/sri-lankas-test-of-inclusion/) - “Inclusion strengthens nations; exclusion strengthens problems.” Sri Lanka’s long-term stability and democratic resilience depend not only on the strength of its security institutions but also on the quality of its inclusiveness. Experience has repeatedly demonstrated that it is the inclusive approach, rather than the exclusive one, that determines whether challenges are mitigated or made worse.
- [The Corruption of the Republic](https://slguardian.org/the-corruption-of-the-republic/) - On Friday we concluded our reading of On Revolution in the Arendt Center’s Virtual Reading Group. Arendt’s last finished book, On Revolution is about freedom — the idea that animates her writing from beginning to end. But it is also a polemic against a long philosophical tradition that, in her view, misplaced freedom by locating it in the inner
- [Bondi Beach: A Preventable Tragedy?](https://slguardian.org/bondi-beach-a-preventable-tragedy/) - The horrible events on Bondi Beach in Sydney Australia on December 14th, where 12 were killed and 29 wounded, by at least two gunmen, illustrates the level of threat to the Jewish community in Australia and globally. A friend of ours, Artem Ostrovsky, a hero in the fight against antisemitism, was seriously wounded on the
- [Israel Delivers Advanced Missile Shield to Kenya](https://slguardian.org/israel-delivers-advanced-missile-shield-to-kenya/) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delivered an advanced Surface-to-Air Python and Derby, known as the SPYDER Air Defense System, to Kenyan President William Ruto in a move aimed at strengthening Kenya’s airspace security. The system, manufactured by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, is designed to protect against modern aerial threats, particularly drones and other
- [The Power and Peril of Publicity in Hostage Crises](https://slguardian.org/the-power-and-peril-of-publicity-in-hostage-crises/) - When a loved one is taken hostage, the violence extends far beyond the moment of capture. In their Issue Brief published by The Soufan Center, Media and Communications Considerations in Contemporary Hostage-Taking: An Exploratory Analysis, Stephanie Foggett and Sarah (Levinson) Moriarty examine a dilemma that is as emotionally charged as it is strategically unclear: whether
- [Chinese Billionaires Build Mega-Families in U.S. Surrogacy Trend](https://slguardian.org/chinese-billionaires-build-mega-families-in-u-s-surrogacy-trend/) - A growing number of Chinese billionaires are turning to the United States to father dozens of children through surrogacy, according to a Wall Street Journal investigation. Videogame executive Xu Bo, who claims to have more than 100 U.S.-born children, is among the elites exploiting American surrogacy laws to build sprawling families, often relying on nannies,
- [Global Ambition, Chinese Style: Blurring Lines to Redefine Order](https://slguardian.org/global-ambition-chinese-style-blurring-lines-to-redefine-order/) - by Our Foreign Affairs Editor The publication of China’s Arms Control, Disarmament, and Nonproliferation in the New Era in the last week of November is less a routine policy disclosure than a deliberate intervention in a global security debate that has lost both coherence and restraint. Issued at a time when wars persist, arms races
- [Inside China’s Secret War for American Technology](https://slguardian.org/inside-chinas-secret-war-for-american-technology/) - by Eric How did the world’s most advanced economy allow its crown jewels to slip quietly into the hands of a strategic rival? When did free trade mutate into a one-way transfer of power? And why did so many institutions—corporate, academic, and governmental—convince themselves that theft on an industrial scale was either exaggerated or the
- [Australia Banks A$20 Billion as Budget Pressures Mount](https://slguardian.org/australia-banks-a20-billion-as-budget-pressures-mount/) - Australia will lock in A$20 billion ($13.3 billion) in savings in its mid-year budget update to be released Wednesday, as the government moves to contain mounting spending pressures, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said. He stressed the update would not amount to a mini budget, but would instead underline the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, delivery and
- [China Overtakes US in Global Technology Race](https://slguardian.org/china-overtakes-us-in-global-technology-race/) - China is now leading research in nearly 90% of the world’s most crucial technologies, marking a sharp shift in global scientific dominance this century, according to an analysis cited by Nature. The findings are drawn from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s Critical Technology Tracker, which assesses research strength in technologies considered vital to national interests.
- [Sri Lanka’s Multi-Billion-Dollar Flood](https://slguardian.org/sri-lankas-multi-billion-dollar-flood/) - by Durga Velayudham How much certainty does science owe the public when lives are already lost? When models disagree with observations, who carries the burden of doubt? And what happens when climate change appears to be everywhere in the data but nowhere definitive enough for attribution frameworks to satisfy their own standards? These questions sit at
- [Melbourne’s Crime Surge Shakes Reputation as World’s “Most Liveable City”](https://slguardian.org/melbournes-crime-surge-shakes-reputation-as-worlds-most-liveable-city/) - Melbourne, long celebrated as one of the world’s most liveable cities, is facing a record-breaking crime wave, with stabbings, carjackings, and violent retail crimes alarming residents and business owners alike. According to crime statistics reported by Times UK, the number of criminal incidents in Victoria rose 18 percent to 483,583 in the year to June,
- [Sahel Military Governments Launch $895 Million Regional Bank](https://slguardian.org/sahel-military-governments-launch-895-million-regional-bank/) - The military-led governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have established a regional investment bank with an initial capital of 500 billion CFA francs ($895 million) to finance infrastructure, energy, and agricultural projects. The initiative aims to leverage the mineral wealth of the three nations, with Mali and Burkina Faso among Africa’s top gold producers
- [Messi Chaos in Kolkata: Fans Riot After Star’s Brief Appearance](https://slguardian.org/messi-chaos-in-kolkata-fans-riot-after-stars-brief-appearance/) - Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated “GOAT India Tour” began in chaos on Saturday when fans at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata rioted after failing to see the Argentine football superstar. Spectators hurled bottles, tore up chairs, and stormed the pitch after Messi was rushed out shortly after the event began, according to the Hindustan Times. Fans expressed
- [Iran Seizes Foreign Tanker in Gulf of Oman Over Suspected Fuel Smuggling](https://slguardian.org/iran-seizes-foreign-tanker-in-gulf-of-oman-over-suspected-fuel-smuggling/) - Iran announced on Saturday that it had seized a foreign oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman suspected of carrying smuggled fuel, according to the semi-official Fars news agency. Mojtaba Ghahremani, chief justice of southern Hormozgan Province, said the vessel carried around 6 million liters of fuel—roughly 37,000 barrels—and that 18 crew members were detained.
- [Mass Rally Signals Return of Nepal’s Ex-PM Oli](https://slguardian.org/mass-rally-signals-return-of-nepals-ex-pm-oli/) - Tens of thousands of Nepalese supporters rallied on Saturday in Bhaktapur near the capital Kathmandu, marking the largest political gathering since anti-corruption protests forced former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli from office three months ago. Police estimated around 70,000 people attended the event, although organizers had projected 300,000, to launch a three-day convention of the
- [Is South Asia Ready to Move On?](https://slguardian.org/is-south-asia-ready-to-move-on/) - Against the intricate strategic realities of South Asia, Pakistan’s recent surge in confidence marks a potentially constructive phase for regional cooperation. This shift was clearly articulated by Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, during the Islamabad Conclave earlier this month. His appeal to reassess how South Asia addresses security, trade, climate change,
- [Manufacturing Mandate: How India’s Democracy Was Rewritten After 2014](https://slguardian.org/manufacturing-mandate-how-indias-democracy-was-rewritten-after-2014/) - The claims of foreign interference in domestic elections of India strikes at the very foundation of democratic sovereignty. On 26 November 2025, Ketkar alleged that the CIA–Mossad nexus decisively shaped the outcome of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, ensuring Congress’s defeat and facilitating the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s rise to power. However, the evidence supporting
- [From Tsunami to Ditwah: How the JVP Blocks Aid, Then Begs for It](https://slguardian.org/from-tsunami-to-ditwah-how-the-jvp-blocks-aid-then-begs-for-it/) - When the 2004 tsunami struck, George W. Bush was the President of the United States. Former President Bill Clinton was a strong leader in Bush’s rival Democratic Party. Thinking about the fate of many countries affected by the tsunami disaster, Bush set aside political rivalry and appointed Bill Clinton as his special envoy to seek
- [Africa’s AI Moment: A $1 Trillion Economic Shift Is Within Reach](https://slguardian.org/africas-ai-moment-a-1-trillion-economic-shift-is-within-reach/) - Africa could add as much as one trillion dollars to its economy within the next decade if artificial intelligence is deployed at scale and in an inclusive manner, according to a detailed new report by the African Development Bank. The study presents AI not simply as a new technology, but as a structural economic lever
- [Why Did Trump Send his Warships to Venezuela?](https://slguardian.org/why-did-trump-send-his-warships-to-venezuela/) - Ever since Hugo Chávez came to power in 1998, the United States has attempted to overthrow the Bolivarian Revolution. They have tried everything short of a full-scale military invasion: a military coup, selecting a substitute president, cutting off access to the global financial system, imposing layers of sanctions, sabotaging the electricity grid, sending in mercenaries, and attempting
- [Israel’s Armed Daughters](https://slguardian.org/israels-armed-daughters/) - The following article is based on a documentary first aired by France 24, which examined the transformation of women’s perceptions of self-defence in Israel following Hamas’s 7 October attacks. Normality has a peculiar way of returning to Tel Aviv. Cafés reopen, beaches fill, traffic snarls resume. Yet beneath this carefully maintained surface, the city now
- [“Hooked by China”: U.S. Nominee Says Sri Lanka Is Learning the Hard Way](https://slguardian.org/hooked-by-china-u-s-nominee-says-sri-lanka-is-learning-the-hard-way/) - by Our Correspondent in Washington DC Eric Meyer, President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, used his opening statement before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday to frame the island nation as both a humanitarian priority and a strategic battleground in the Indian Ocean—before senators sharply questioned
- [Exclusive: Trincomalee as a Potential Indo–US Rapid Response Base in Sri Lanka](https://slguardian.org/sri-lanka-a-joint-indo-us-base-in-trincomalee/) - by Durga Velayudham and Luxman Aravind The question of whether Trincomalee is being quietly prepared for an Indo–US– "Sri Lanka" joint military command no longer belongs to the world of speculation or online paranoia. It sits now in the uneasy space between rumour and reality, between what diplomats deny in public and what they discuss
- [Intel in advanced talks to buy AI chipmaker SambaNova for $1.6 billion](https://slguardian.org/intel-in-advanced-talks-to-buy-ai-chipmaker-sambanova-for-1-6-billion/) - Intel Corp. is in advanced discussions to acquire artificial intelligence chip startup SambaNova Systems Inc. for about $1.6 billion including debt, a move that could significantly strengthen Intel’s position in the fast-growing AI hardware market, according to people familiar with the matter cited by Bloomberg. Bloomberg reported that a deal for Palo Alto-based SambaNova could
- [India-EU trade deal slips past year-end deadline amid tough disputes](https://slguardian.org/india-eu-trade-deal-slips-past-year-end-deadline-amid-tough-disputes/) - Trade negotiators from India and the European Union are no longer confident they can finalize a long-awaited free trade agreement by the end of the year, with discussions stalled over sensitive sectors including automobiles and steel, according to people familiar with the matter cited by Bloomberg. The delay underscores the political and technical challenges facing
- [EU locks Russian assets indefinitely to shore up Ukraine war funding](https://slguardian.org/eu-locks-russian-assets-indefinitely-to-shore-up-ukraine-war-funding/) - The European Union has agreed to indefinitely freeze Russian central bank assets held in Europe, removing a major political and legal hurdle to using the funds to support Ukraine’s defense against Russia, according to Reuters. The decision reflects the bloc’s determination to keep Ukraine financially afloat as it views Moscow’s invasion as a direct threat
- [Jiangxi Copper sweetens bid for SolGold amid global copper rush](https://slguardian.org/jiangxi-copper-sweetens-bid-for-solgold-amid-global-copper-rush/) - SolGold said on Friday it was minded to recommend an improved takeover offer from its largest shareholder, China’s Jiangxi Copper, valuing the gold and copper miner at about £842 million, as competition intensifies globally for scarce copper assets. The move signals growing pressure on mid-sized miners as major producers race to secure future supply. Jiangxi
- [SpaceX insider share sale pegs value at $800 billion ahead of IPO plans](https://slguardian.org/spacex-insider-share-sale-pegs-value-at-800-billion-ahead-of-ipo-plans/) - SpaceX is moving forward with an insider share sale that values Elon Musk’s rocket and satellite company at about $800 billion, laying the groundwork for what could become the largest initial public offering in history, according to Bloomberg. The transaction underscores investor confidence in the privately held firm as it pursues some of the most
- [U.S. quietly cut intelligence to Israel amid Gaza war concerns](https://slguardian.org/u-s-quietly-cut-intelligence-to-israel-amid-gaza-war-concerns/) - U.S. intelligence agencies temporarily suspended sharing some sensitive information with Israel during the Biden administration amid mounting concerns over Israel’s conduct in the war in Gaza, according to six people familiar with the matter cited by Reuters. The move, which included cutting off a live U.S. drone video feed over Gaza, reflected rare and serious
- [Pentagon shake-up as Latin America commander exits early amid Caribbean strikes](https://slguardian.org/pentagon-shake-up-as-latin-america-commander-exits-early-amid-caribbean-strikes/) - The admiral overseeing U.S. military operations in Latin America retired two years earlier than planned, amid intensifying tensions with Venezuela and an escalation of U.S. strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean. The departure marks the latest high-level military exit under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as the Trump administration signals a sharper focus on
- [Skipper Oil Tanker Seizure Tip of the Clandestine Iceberg](https://slguardian.org/skipper-oil-tanker-seizure-tip-of-the-clandestine-iceberg/) - The VLCC Skipper, seized by the US Coast Guard under a court warrant, with the assistance of two helicopters from the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, with US Marines carrying out the take-over of the ship, was a legal seizure under US and international law, despite statements by some US Congressmen and by foreign
- [Who’s the Dictator --- Venezuela’s Maduro or Ukraine’s Zelenskyy](https://slguardian.org/whos-the-dictator-venezuelas-maduro-or-ukraines-zelenskyy/) - Washington brands Nicolás Maduro a dictator, celebrates Volodymyr Zelenskyy as democratic, and sponsors María Corina Machado to achieve regime change in Venezuela rather than promote genuine democracy. Within the narrow spectrum of establishment punditry, “dictator” functions as a term of opprobrium reserved for governments Washington designates as enemies. By this measure, Maduro is cast as the dictator,
- [Towards a Political Economy of Asia](https://slguardian.org/towards-a-political-economy-of-asia/) - Is Asia possible? This provocation comes from a recent intervention by Tricontinental Asia, the latest in a series of conjunctural analyses on the Asian continent. There is increasing acknowledgement that the world economy’s centre of gravity is shifting to Asia. Home to 60 percent of the world’s population, the continent contributes to 70 percent of world economic
- [TikTok’s Mental-Health Rabbit Hole Proves Hard to Escape, Users Say](https://slguardian.org/tiktoks-mental-health-rabbit-hole-proves-hard-to-escape-users-say/) - At first, mental-health videos on TikTok made Amy Russell feel understood. The 35-year-old saw creators joking about ADHD and sharing tips that resembled her own struggles. After two years of watching such clips, she sought a medical assessment. The diagnosis — and subsequent treatment — changed her life for the better. TikTok, she says, played
- [Vatican’s American Pope Stuns Rome With Audience for Italy’s Spy Chiefs](https://slguardian.org/vaticans-american-pope-stuns-rome-with-audience-for-italys-spy-chiefs/) - Pope Leo temporarily shifted his focus from global poverty to the shadowy world of intelligence on Friday, hosting an unusually high-profile audience for Italy’s top spies inside the Vatican. The rare gathering brought together senior figures from Aisi, Italy’s domestic intelligence service, its foreign counterpart Aise, oversight officials, and lawmakers from parliament’s intelligence committee. “You
- [New Epstein Photographs Featuring Trump, Clinton, Gates and Other Prominent Figures](https://slguardian.org/new-epstein-photographs-featuring-trump-clinton-gates-and-other-prominent-figures/) - A newly released set of photographs from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate shows the disgraced financier alongside a number of high-profile figures, including former Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, businessman Richard Branson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The images were provided to the House Oversight Committee as part of its ongoing investigation into Epstein’s
- [AI Boom Becomes High-Stakes Investment Puzzle in 2026](https://slguardian.org/ai-boom-becomes-high-stakes-investment-puzzle-in-2026/) - Artificial intelligence is expanding so quickly that investing in its future has become both thrilling and fraught, according to a sweeping Bloomberg analysis based on interviews with four top investment strategists. With mega-cap tech firms now dominating the S&P 500 and AI infrastructure spending providing a measurable lift to the US economy, investors face mounting
- [China Weighs Up to $70 Billion Chip Push in Escalating Tech Fight With US](https://slguardian.org/china-weighs-up-to-70-billion-chip-push-in-escalating-tech-fight-with-us/) - China is weighing a semiconductor incentives package worth as much as $70 billion in a sweeping effort to turbocharge its domestic chip industry, according to a Bloomberg report citing people familiar with internal discussions. The proposal, still under deliberation, would direct between 200 billion yuan and 500 billion yuan in subsidies and financial support to
- [Oracle Pushes Back OpenAI Data Centers to 2028 Amid Major Supply Strains](https://slguardian.org/oracle-pushes-back-openai-data-centers-to-2028-amid-major-supply-strains/) - Oracle Corp. has delayed completion dates for several of the data centers it is building for OpenAI, shifting targets from 2027 to 2028 due to significant labor and materials shortages, according to a Bloomberg report citing people familiar with the projects. The postponements mark a notable setback in one of the world’s largest and most
- [What’s on Trump’s mind as US adjusts to multipolarity](https://slguardian.org/whats-on-trumps-mind-as-us-adjusts-to-multipolarity/) - The world order’s transformation to multipolarity is a work in progress with the variables at work, but its outcome will be largely determined by the alignment of the three big powers — the United States, Russia and China. Historically, the ‘triangle’ appeared as the lid came off the Sino-Soviet schism in the 1960s and a
- [Coercion Without Consensus](https://slguardian.org/coercion-without-consensus/) - The year 2025 witnessed escalated threats from the United States on the Global South. In the span of months, Washington declared Venezuelan airspace “closed in its entirety,” threatened to invade Nigeria “guns-a-blazing” to protect Christians from an alleged genocide, and demanded that the Taliban return Bagram airbase with warnings of unspecified consequences. These are not isolated episodes of Trumpian bluster. They
- [UN Says Imran Khan Held in ‘Inhumane, Undignified’ Conditions](https://slguardian.org/un-says-imran-khan-held-in-inhumane-undignified-conditions/) - The UN Special Rapporteur on torture, Alice Jill Edwards, has issued a stark warning to Pakistan, urging immediate action after receiving reports that former Prime Minister Imran Khan is being held in detention conditions she described as inhumane, undignified, and potentially tantamount to torture. Edwards said Pakistan must bring Khan’s treatment into full compliance with
- [India Eases Visa Rules for Chinese Professionals Amid Trade Push](https://slguardian.org/india-eases-visa-rules-for-chinese-professionals-amid-trade-push/) - India has simplified its visa procedures for Chinese professionals, cutting bureaucratic layers and reducing approval times to less than a month, officials said, in a move intended to strengthen economic ties and ease a chronic shortage of skilled technicians that has cost billions. The changes follow years of heightened scrutiny after border clashes in 2020,
- [Intel Tests Chinese-Linked Chip Tools, Raising U.S. Security Concerns](https://slguardian.org/intel-tests-chinese-linked-chip-tools-raising-u-s-security-concerns/) - Intel has tested advanced chipmaking tools this year from ACM Research, a California-based firm with R&D and manufacturing units in China and South Korea, sources familiar with the matter said, sparking concern among U.S. lawmakers and national security experts. The tools, known as wet etch equipment, were evaluated for use in Intel’s 14A process, a
- [NATO Boss Asks Member States to Prepare for War With Russia](https://slguardian.org/nato-boss-asks-member-states-to-prepare-for-war-with-russia/) - Europe must prepare for large-scale conflict as Russia emerges as a direct threat, Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte warned, Times UK reported. Speaking on Thursday, Rutte said “conflict is at our door” and suggested that Moscow could be ready to use military force against the alliance within five years. His comments followed Ukraine sending a
- [Gen Z as Pawns: Washington’s Coup in Nepal](https://slguardian.org/gen-z-as-pawns-washingtons-coup-in-nepal/) - The US government’s National Endowment for Democracy (NED) spent hundreds of thousands of dollars tutoring dozens of Nepalese youth on “strategies and skills in organizing protests and demonstrations” prior to a violent coup which overthrew the government of Nepal in September 2025, leaked documents show. The documents reveal a clandestine campaign organized by an NED division known
- [India–Russia Ties: The Missed Methanol Moment](https://slguardian.org/india-russia-ties-the-missed-methanol-moment/) - The recent visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to India was widely publicized across several countries and received considerable global attention. The warmth with which President Putin was welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been particularly noted, prompting policy planners in many nations to study the implications of this cordial relationship for the world
- [The Night They Tried to Kill a Nation](https://slguardian.org/the-night-they-tried-to-kill-a-nation/) - Every year on December 14, Bangladesh observes Martyred Intellectuals Day, a solemn commemoration of one of the most heinous atrocities of the 1971 Liberation War. It marks the cold-blooded massacre of some of the most brilliant minds of Bangladesh—teachers, physicians, engineers, writers, journalists, scientists, and artists—executed by the Pakistani Army and their treacherous local collaborators,
- [Broken Safeguards, Broken Lives](https://slguardian.org/broken-safeguards-broken-lives/) - The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s rise to power has created a facade in India's social fabric, as the plural essence of the Indian society is seriously undermined. Genocide Watch claims that there are convergent forces of the patriarchal and religious that avert violence against Muslim women. The tendency of the increasing discrimination against minorities shows
- [US Trade Deficit Shrinks to Five-Year Low as Exports Surge](https://slguardian.org/us-trade-deficit-shrinks-to-five-year-low-as-exports-surge/) - The U.S. trade deficit narrowed sharply in September to its lowest level in more than five years, fueled by a jump in exports and only modest growth in imports, according to data released Thursday by the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Economic Analysis and Census Bureau. The trade gap fell 10.9% to $52.8 billion, its smallest
- [UK Launches New Military Intelligence Service to Counter Rising Spy Threats](https://slguardian.org/uk-launches-new-military-intelligence-service-to-counter-rising-spy-threats/) - The UK has launched a new spy agency, Military Intelligence Services (MIS), to confront a sharp rise in espionage and sabotage targeting armed forces personnel and Ministry of Defence staff, Times UK reported on Thursday. The initiative comes amid reports of a 50% increase in hostile actions over the past year, with Russia, China, and
- [Belgium Threatens Legal Action Over EU Plan to Use Frozen Russian Assets for Ukraine](https://slguardian.org/belgium-threatens-legal-action-over-eu-plan-to-use-frozen-russian-assets-for-ukraine/) - Belgium has warned it could take legal action if the European Union overrides its national veto to seize frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine, intensifying diplomatic tensions ahead of a planned EU summit, according to sources familiar with the discussions. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has demanded additional guarantees and a cash-back mechanism to
- [Nicolas Sarkozy Publishes Prison Memoir Reflecting on “Injustice” and Redemption](https://slguardian.org/nicolas-sarkozy-publishes-prison-memoir-reflecting-on-injustice-and-redemption/) - Nicolas Sarkozy, the former president of France, has published a 216-page memoir, Le journal d’un prisonnier (The Diary of a Prisoner), detailing his three-week incarceration in La Santé prison following his October 2025 conviction for corruption. The book, released by Fayard and already a bestseller in France, offers a first-person account of his time in
- [Sri Lanka’s Shameless Leader and His Lilliputian Regime](https://slguardian.org/sri-lankas-shameless-leader-and-his-lilliputian-regime/) - President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is apparently determined to have one of his loyalists appointed Auditor General though the Constitutional Council (CC) has prevented him from doing so. The government is apparently playing a waiting game. Sri Lanka has never been short of self-proclaimed messiahs who promise to deliver people from suffering and secure enough votes
- [Bangladesh President to Resign After “Humiliation” Under Interim Govt](https://slguardian.org/bangladesh-president-to-resign-after-humiliation-under-interim-govt/) - Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin said on Thursday he plans to resign midway through his term, telling Reuters he has felt “humiliated” and sidelined by the interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Speaking to Reuters via WhatsApp from his official residence in Dhaka, the 75-year-old leader said he would remain in office only until
- [U.S. Set to Seize More Tankers Carrying Venezuelan Oil](https://slguardian.org/u-s-set-to-seize-more-tankers-carrying-venezuelan-oil/) - The United States is preparing to intercept additional ships carrying Venezuelan oil after seizing a tanker this week, six sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Thursday. The move marks the first time Washington has directly interdicted a Venezuelan oil cargo since sanctions were imposed in 2019, and it comes amid a significant U.S.
- [China’s Vanke Spirals Toward Massive Debt Restructuring as State Support Fades](https://slguardian.org/chinas-vanke-spirals-toward-massive-debt-restructuring-as-state-support-fades/) - China Vanke Co., long considered the last major developer capable of surviving the country’s prolonged property slump, has been thrust into a deepening crisis after its state-owned backer abruptly capped future financing and demanded collateral on billions in loans. The Nov. 2 announcement — which Bloomberg first flagged as a turning point — signaled that
- [Russia’s Wartime Oil Revenue Collapses to New Low](https://slguardian.org/russias-wartime-oil-revenue-collapses-to-new-low/) - Russia’s oil export revenues fell sharply in November, hitting their lowest monthly level since the Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to new data released Thursday by the International Energy Agency. The plunge underscores how Western sanctions and Ukrainian attacks on energy facilities are eroding a key pillar of Moscow’s war-time
- [Pakistani F-16s Set for Major US Upgrade as Strategic Ties Quietly Deepen](https://slguardian.org/pakistani-f-16s-set-for-major-us-upgrade-as-strategic-ties-quietly-deepen/) - Pakistan is close to sealing a major defence deal with the United States that would modernise its entire fleet of F-16 fighter jets, marking one of the most significant upgrades to the country’s airpower in years. The $686-million package — now formally notified to the US Congress — centres on advanced encrypted communications and networking
- [OpenAI Flags “High” Cybersecurity Threat From Next-Gen AI Models](https://slguardian.org/openai-flags-high-cybersecurity-threat-from-next-gen-ai-models/) - OpenAI has issued one of its strongest warnings yet about the risks posed by rapidly advancing artificial intelligence, cautioning on Wednesday that its next generation of models could present a “high” cybersecurity threat. In a detailed blog post, the maker of ChatGPT said future systems may become capable of generating working zero-day remote exploits against
- [Women: The Untapped Power in a Climate Crisis](https://slguardian.org/women-the-untapped-power-in-a-climate-crisis/) - On February 26, 1852, the HMS Birkenhead struck a cluster of rocks off the coast of South Africa. With only a few lifeboats for the 638 people aboard, Captain Robert Salmond ordered the women and children to board first while the men stayed behind, attempting to stabilize the ship. The Birkenhead disaster helped cement what became known
- [The Future of Humanity’s Past: U.S. Archaeology Confronts a Research Hinge Point](https://slguardian.org/the-future-of-humanitys-past-u-s-archaeology-confronts-a-research-hinge-point/) - The long American century is over. Across the world, affiliations and institutions staked in blood and soil, faith-based (as opposed to empirically based) ways of knowing, and personalized, autocratic power are all in ascendance. Notions of linear, inevitable progress and conceptual frames that wall off modernity from what came before now seem more like pipe
- [Exclusive Interview: ‘Thailand Refuses to Acknowledge Reality’](https://slguardian.org/exclusive-interview-thailand-refuses-to-acknowledge-reality/) - by Our Foreign Affairs Editor Cambodia is one of the most corrupt countries on earth, but when crisis hits the border, the country handles the broader situation in a way many people might not expect,” Ou Virak told the Sri Lanka Guardian in an exclusive interview. “Nothing about this conflict makes sense… it’s just a
- [Where Prose Walks and Poetry Dances](https://slguardian.org/where-prose-walks-and-poetry-dances/) - The perennial endeavor to distinguish prose from poetry has occupied poets, philosophers, and scholars through the centuries, each attempting to hold in place two forms of expression that appear, at once, kindred and yet profoundly different. Both are contrivances of the observance of human nature; both seek to articulate the movement of thought, emotion, and
- [Sri Lanka: 75 Years of Whites—and Still the First to Risk Everything](https://slguardian.org/sri-lanka-75-years-of-whites-and-still-the-first-to-risk-everything/) - Our Navy celebrated her 75th birthday on 9 December 2025. His Excellency the President has been kind enough to award the “75th Anniversary Commemoration Medal” to all serving members of the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN). On 9 December 1950, Parliament passed the Navy Act, and we consider that day as the beginning of our own
- [The Truce That Was Never Real](https://slguardian.org/the-truce-that-was-never-real/) - The surge of violence along the Thailand-Cambodia border in December 2025 has dismantled the fragile October truce, reigniting armed clashes, civilian deaths, and mass evacuations. Centred on the Prasat Ta Krabey Temple in Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey Province, the three-day hostilities between December 7 and 9 killed nine Cambodian civilians and three Thai soldiers, injuring another
- [India: Kerala Proves Poverty Isn’t Destiny](https://slguardian.org/india-kerala-proves-poverty-isnt-destiny/) - On 1 November 2025, the south-western Indian state of Kerala – home to 34 million people – was declared free from extreme poverty by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Kerala is one of the few places in the world to have eradicated extreme poverty, following China, which announced in 2022 that it had eradicated extreme poverty nationwide. Kerala’s achievement
- [China Pushes Global AI Oversight as Leadership Vacuum Persists](https://slguardian.org/china-pushes-global-ai-oversight-as-leadership-vacuum-persists/) - Despite years of international discussions and white papers on AI governance, there has been no globally agreed framework to manage the risks and benefits of AI. As reported in Nature, China is proposing the creation of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) to address this leadership gap and facilitate global coordination. Experts say such
- [Genetic Analysis Reveals Shared Roots Across Psychiatric Disorders](https://slguardian.org/genetic-analysis-reveals-shared-roots-across-psychiatric-disorders/) - A new genetic study of over one million people has found that many psychiatric disorders share common biological underpinnings, challenging traditional diagnostic categories, according to research published today in Nature. The analysis indicates that conditions such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and autism often overlap at the genetic level, suggesting that they are less distinct than
- [Understanding the Science of Cognitive Fatigue](https://slguardian.org/understanding-the-science-of-cognitive-fatigue/) - Cognitive fatigue, the mental exhaustion that can sap motivation, dull focus, and increase the likelihood of errors, affects billions of people worldwide. The phenomenon was famously highlighted in 1996 when chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov faced IBM’s Deep Blue computer, noting the unfair advantage of a machine that does not tire. Unlike humans, machines can operate
- [Day Zero: Iran’s Water Apocalypse](https://slguardian.org/day-zero-irans-water-apocalypse/) - Where, in today’s world, do all our antagonisms and struggles for survival converge? Is there a singular point that embodies our universal predicament? It is not Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, or the scam centers in the north of Myanmar. It is Tehran. The Iranian capital is counting down to a “day zero” when it will simply
- [U.S. Chipmakers Sued Over Technology in Russian Weapons](https://slguardian.org/u-s-chipmakers-sued-over-technology-in-russian-weapons/) - A series of lawsuits filed Wednesday in Dallas accuses leading semiconductor companies—including Intel Corp., Advanced Micro Devices Inc., Texas Instruments Inc., and a Berkshire Hathaway-owned distributor—of allowing their technology to end up in Russian-made weapons that killed and injured Ukrainian civilians. The suits claim the companies demonstrated “willful ignorance” as third parties resold restricted chips
- [Chinese AI Startup Allegedly Smuggled Nvidia Chips Despite U.S. Ban](https://slguardian.org/chinese-ai-startup-allegedly-smuggled-nvidia-chips-despite-u-s-ban/) - Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek is said to have relied on Nvidia Corp. chips that are banned from sale in China to develop an upcoming AI model, according to a report by The Information. Sources cited by the publication claim that Nvidia’s Blackwell chips were smuggled into China via countries where the chips were legally
- [India Expands Investment Scope for National Pension System](https://slguardian.org/india-expands-investment-scope-for-national-pension-system/) - India’s pension regulator has significantly broadened investment opportunities for National Pension System (NPS) fund managers, allowing deeper participation in equities, bonds, and alternative assets, according to newly issued guidelines. The updates, released on Wednesday, apply to funds managing roughly $177 billion in assets. Under the revised rules, pension funds can now invest in constituent stocks
- [Meta Shifts AI Strategy, Prepares “Avocado” Model for Commercial Launch](https://slguardian.org/meta-shifts-ai-strategy-prepares-avocado-model-for-commercial-launch/) - Meta Platforms Inc. CEO Mark Zuckerberg is intensifying his personal involvement in the company’s artificial intelligence efforts as Meta pivots toward a new, revenue-focused model codenamed Avocado, according to sources cited by Bloomberg. The AI system is expected to debut in spring 2026 and may be released as a “closed” model—tightly controlled and designed for
- [Pentagon Warns Allies: Contribute or Face “Consequences”](https://slguardian.org/pentagon-warns-allies-contribute-or-face-consequences/) - U.S. allies that fail to adequately fund defense and shirk contributions to collective security will face repercussions, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared at the 2025 Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, California, on Saturday. Hegseth singled out nations like South Korea, Israel, Poland, and Germany as “model allies” for stepping up their defense commitments,
- [Afghanistan in Fragments](https://slguardian.org/afghanistan-in-fragments/) - The history of instability in Afghanistan, and the recent outbreak of violence in Badakhshan, demonstrates that the situation within the country has weakened to the extent that the processes taking place there are barely manageable. On 28 November 2025, the Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF) launched a rocket at the Taliban’s 7th Security Zone outside Television
- [Central Asia Warms to Pakistan as Old Animosities Fade](https://slguardian.org/central-asia-warms-to-pakistan-as-old-animosities-fade/) - Central Asian states are rapidly deepening ties with Pakistan, signaling a historic shift after decades of mistrust. As reported in Eurasia Net, a mix of economic ambition and shared security concerns is pushing former rivals into a new era of cooperation. Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov set the tone with a landmark December 3–4 visit to
- [Machado’s Nobel Message: Freedom Requires a Daily Fight](https://slguardian.org/machados-nobel-message-freedom-requires-a-daily-fight/) - Democracy survives only when citizens are willing to fight for it, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado declared on Wednesday in a speech read by her daughter during a ceremony she was unable to attend. Her remarks, delivered in Oslo City Hall beneath a large portrait of her smiling image, underscored what she called
- [U.S. Pressures ICC to Shield Trump From Future Prosecution](https://slguardian.org/u-s-pressures-icc-to-shield-trump-from-future-prosecution/) - The Trump administration is pressing the International Criminal Court to amend its founding statute to ensure it cannot prosecute President Donald Trump or his senior officials once his term ends in 2029, according to reporting from Reuters. A senior administration official said Washington has warned the court and key member states that failure to comply
- [Farmers Say Trump’s $12 Billion Aid Package Won’t Stop the Bleeding](https://slguardian.org/farmers-say-trumps-12-billion-aid-package-wont-stop-the-bleeding/) - U.S. farmers bracing for steep losses this year offered cautious thanks for President Donald Trump’s newly announced $12 billion aid package, but many told Reuters the support barely scratches the surface of the crisis triggered by low crop prices, soaring production costs and shrinking export markets. Agricultural groups, economists and lenders agreed the package may
- [Air India Flew A320 on Eight Passenger Routes Without Safety Permit](https://slguardian.org/air-india-flew-a320-on-eight-passenger-routes-without-safety-permit/) - Air India allowed an Airbus A320 to operate eight commercial flights without a mandatory airworthiness certificate, an internal investigation has found — a violation that the carrier acknowledged resulted from deep-rooted lapses in oversight, documentation and basic safety discipline, according to a report reviewed by Reuters. The aircraft operated routes between New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai
- [ELN Signals Readiness to Resume Peace Talks — but Only If Past Agreements Are Respected](https://slguardian.org/eln-signals-readiness-to-resume-peace-talks-but-only-if-past-agreements-are-respected/) - The National Liberation Army (ELN), Colombia’s largest remaining guerrilla group, is willing to restart peace negotiations with President Gustavo Petro’s government — or with the administration elected next year — provided that the commitments made in earlier rounds of talks are upheld, the group’s top commander said in responses to a Reuters questionnaire. President Petro
- [Germany Blocks Push for New Defence Bank](https://slguardian.org/germany-blocks-push-for-new-defence-bank/) - Germany has rejected proposals to create a new multilateral defence bank, dealing a major setback to efforts aimed at establishing a global state-backed lender to accelerate European and NATO rearmament. The country’s finance ministry told Reuters that Berlin opposes introducing any additional financing instruments for the defence sector and stressed that neither the proposed Defence,
- [Blair Emerges as Netanyahu’s Quiet Wartime Adviser](https://slguardian.org/blair-emerges-as-netanyahus-quiet-wartime-adviser/) - Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has become a frequent and discreet visitor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office throughout the Gaza war, with Haaretz reporting that the two held their most recent meeting roughly two weeks ago. A review of Netanyahu’s 2024 schedule shows at least seven in-person meetings with Blair, as well as
- [U.S. Aid Under Fire as Israel Faces Soaring Dependence on American War Machines](https://slguardian.org/u-s-aid-under-fire-as-israel-faces-soaring-dependence-on-american-war-machines/) - American military assistance has become the backbone of Israel’s modern war machine, even as political pressure in Washington grows to scale back the decades-long subsidy. The current 10-year aid agreement, worth $38 billion and expiring in two years, must now be renegotiated at a moment when both the American left and the Trump-aligned right are
- [Mining Fears Eclipse ‘Victory’ Claims in Chhattisgarh](https://slguardian.org/mining-fears-eclipse-victory-claims-in-chhattisgarh/) - Chhattisgarh’s 25th anniversary was framed by the Union government as a triumphant milestone: naxalism reduced to a shadow of its former presence, security forces in command, and development ready to surge. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it the “sunrise of a new era”, while Home Minister Amit Shah declared that Left Wing Extremism would soon
- [Sri Lanka Between America and India: The Coup That Never Was](https://slguardian.org/sri-lanka-between-america-and-india-the-coup-that-never-was/) - Finally, former Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena has set the record straight with regard to a controversial but never properly investigated bid to swear in him as interim President. Abeywardena has disclosed the circumstances leading to the proposal made by external powers on the morning of 13 July, 2022, amidst a large scale staged protest outside
- [India’s Democracy at a Breaking Point](https://slguardian.org/indias-democracy-at-a-breaking-point/) - Electoral rolls are essential to democracy and help ensure every citizen can participate. In late 2025, the Election Commission of India (ECI) started the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in 12 states and union territories, covering almost 510 million voters. The goal was to make voter lists more transparent and accurate. However, the process created a
- [Nepal Files Historic Graft Charges Over Chinese-Funded Airport Project](https://slguardian.org/nepal-files-historic-graft-charges-over-chinese-funded-airport-project/) - by Our Correspondent in Kathmandu Nepal’s anti-corruption agency has filed sweeping charges against 55 individuals and a Chinese construction company in what has become the country’s largest-ever corruption case, targeting alleged financial irregularities in the construction of the Chinese-funded Pokhara International Airport. The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) submitted its charge sheet
- [Human Rights and Human Wrong](https://slguardian.org/human-rights-and-human-wrong/) - Editorial Today is Human Rights Day — at least 48,384 civilians were recorded killed in conflict zones in 2024; 1.1 billion people live in acute multidimensional poverty worldwide, of whom some 455 million dwell in countries beset by violent conflict; over half of the impoverished — around 584 million — are children under 18. These
- [Unconventional AI Lands Staggering $475M Seed Round at $4.5B Valuation](https://slguardian.org/unconventional-ai-lands-staggering-475m-seed-round-at-4-5b-valuation/) - Unconventional AI, the new venture launched by former Databricks head of AI Naveen Rao, has confirmed a massive $475 million seed round at a valuation of $4.5 billion — one of the largest early-stage fundings in the history of the tech sector. The raise, reported by Bloomberg, marks only the first tranche of what Rao
- [AI Breakthrough Pushes Lab-Made Antibodies Toward Human Trials](https://slguardian.org/ai-breakthrough-pushes-lab-made-antibodies-toward-human-trials/) - Scientists report they are nearing a turning point in drug development as AI-designed antibodies begin to show properties comparable to commercial medicines. The progress comes just one year after biologists first used artificial intelligence to generate antibodies from scratch — an early demonstration that lacked potency and key pharmaceutical features. Now, multiple research groups and
- [Global Food Prices Surge as Agricultural Innovation Investment Falters](https://slguardian.org/global-food-prices-surge-as-agricultural-innovation-investment-falters/) - Food prices are climbing across nearly every region of the world, and while climate extremes and weather-driven production disruptions are part of the story, a deeper structural issue is emerging. According to a comprehensive analysis published by Nature, global investment in the science and technology that underpin food production has begun to stagnate — and
- [German Chancellor Rebukes U.S. Strategy: ‘Europe Doesn’t Need Trump to Save Its Democracy’](https://slguardian.org/german-chancellor-rebukes-u-s-strategy-europe-doesnt-need-trump-to-save-its-democracy/) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has sharply criticized elements of the United States’ latest national security strategy, arguing that Europe does not require outside help to safeguard its democratic systems. According to reporting from the Times UK, European officials have grown increasingly uneasy over the document’s language, which urges the U.S. to cultivate resistance to Europe’s
- [Discovery of Ancient Egyptian ‘Superyacht’ Revives Mystery of Cleopatra’s Famous Barge](https://slguardian.org/discovery-of-ancient-egyptian-superyacht-revives-mystery-of-cleopatras-famous-barge/) - Archaeologists have uncovered a remarkably preserved 2,000-year-old Egyptian pleasure barge off the coast of Alexandria, offering a rare glimpse into the type of vessel believed to have been used by Cleopatra herself. Reporting from the Times UK, which detailed the findings, notes that the discovery may help determine how much of Shakespeare’s depiction of the
- [NATO at Risk: Trapped by Zelensky’s Maximalism](https://slguardian.org/nato-at-risk-trapped-by-zelenskys-maximalism/) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited London on Monday, December 8 where he met with Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Emmanuel Macron, President of France and Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of Germany. Two things happened: Zelensky made it clear (and expanded on the subject on his way to Brussels after the meeting) that Ukraine would not cede any territory
- [China’s Prices Nudge Higher but Deflation Pressures Still Grip Economy](https://slguardian.org/chinas-prices-nudge-higher-but-deflation-pressures-still-grip-economy/) - China’s consumer inflation edged up in November, offering a modest sign that the country’s long-running deflationary squeeze may be slowly easing even as deep structural pressures persist. According to figures released Wednesday by the National Bureau of Statistics, the consumer-price index rose 0.7% from a year earlier, accelerating from October’s 0.2% increase. The result was
- [Ravenswood Gold Secures $650 Million Private Credit Deal in Expanding Market](https://slguardian.org/ravenswood-gold-secures-650-million-private-credit-deal-in-expanding-market/) - Australian gold producer Ravenswood Gold Pty. has obtained a $650 million private credit loan from investment firm RRJ Capital to refinance existing debt, according to people familiar with the matter. The financing, reported through information also appearing in Bloomberg coverage, carries a 4.5-year tenor and an interest margin of 6.875% over the Secured Overnight Financing
- [SpaceX Targets Record-Shattering IPO as Valuation Ambitions Hit $1.5 Trillion](https://slguardian.org/spacex-targets-record-shattering-ipo-as-valuation-ambitions-hit-1-5-trillion/) - SpaceX is accelerating plans for an initial public offering that could raise more than $30 billion and value the company at roughly $1.5 trillion, according to people familiar with the matter. Reporting from Bloomberg indicates the listing could come as early as mid-to-late 2026, though market conditions may push it into 2027. If completed, the
- [Has IndiGo’s Chaos Opened the Runway for Adani?](https://slguardian.org/has-indigos-chaos-opened-the-runway-for-adani/) - by Our Business Affairs Editor The recent collapse in IndiGo’s operations, marked by thousands of cancellations and severe nationwide disruptions, has reopened a deeper debate within India’s aviation sector—whether the turmoil at the country’s most dominant airline has inadvertently created an opportunity for the Adani Group to expand its footprint within the industry. While the
- [Shell Nears $3 Billion Gulf Oil Deal as LLOG Talks Accelerate](https://slguardian.org/shell-nears-3-billion-gulf-oil-deal-as-llog-talks-accelerate/) - Shell is moving closer to a major deepwater expansion, engaging in advanced negotiations to acquire LLOG Exploration Offshore in a deal valued at more than $3 billion, according to sources familiar with the matter. The discussions, first reported by Reuters, signal Shell’s push to strengthen its upstream portfolio through the purchase of one of the
- [Indian Defence Executives Hold Quiet Moscow Talks on Joint Arms Ventures](https://slguardian.org/indian-defence-executives-hold-quiet-moscow-talks-on-joint-arms-ventures/) - A rare, undisclosed trip by senior executives from major Indian defence companies to Russia has ignited questions over New Delhi’s strategic balancing act, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters. The meetings, attended by representatives from firms including Adani Defence and Bharat Forge, marked the first visit by India’s defence industry leaders to Russia
- [Global Trade Set to Hit Record $35 Trillion in 2025 as East Asia and Africa Lead Expansion](https://slguardian.org/global-trade-set-to-hit-record-35-trillion-in-2025-as-east-asia-and-africa-lead-expansion/) - Global trade is on track for a stronger-than-expected rebound in 2025, with UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) forecasting a 7% rise that would lift worldwide trade flows above $35 trillion for the first time. The agency’s year-end Global Trade Update shows that East Asia, Africa and South–South trade are delivering the strongest momentum, even as
- [International Civil Aviation Day: A Teleological Reflection](https://slguardian.org/international-civil-aviation-day-a-teleological-reflection/) - The development of aviation has opened up the world in a way that no other single invention has done before. – Charles Lindbergh In 1996, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 7 December as International Civil Aviation Day. In commemorating International Civil Aviation Day 2025, one is reminded that aviation—far from being a mere assemblage
- [Sri Lanka’s Shadow War in Canada](https://slguardian.org/sri-lankas-shadow-war-in-canada/) - Canadian Tamil diaspora organizations have clearly demonstrated that they are not monolithic, even among those still supporting the idea of Tamil Eelam (a separate state for Tamils in Sri Lanka). After the historic disaster that struck Sri Lanka, the Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC)—once considered pro-LTTE—requested immediate humanitarian assistance from Ottawa for Colombo, recognizing the crisis.
- [Africa Needs $375 Billion Gas Push as Demand Surges](https://slguardian.org/africa-needs-375-billion-gas-push-as-demand-surges/) - Africa will require an estimated 375 billion dollars over the next 10 to 12 years to adequately develop its upstream and midstream natural gas sector, according to new projections released by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). The announcement was made during a workshop held at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference in
- [Friendship and the Foundations of Politics](https://slguardian.org/friendship-and-the-foundations-of-politics/) - Shortly before he died just over a year ago, Jerry Kohn called me up to discuss how we should mark the 50th anniversary of Hannah Arendt’s passing. As Arendt’s good friend, her last research assistant, and curator and editor of many of her books, Jerry was always concerned about preserving the honor and seriousness of
- [The Climate Debt the World Refuses to Pay](https://slguardian.org/the-climate-debt-the-world-refuses-to-pay/) - Pakistan’s renewed call for expanded global climate financing is not simply a policy statement. It is the voice of a nation shaped by catastrophe, resilience, and a deeply unfair climate reality. When Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal urged developed nations and international financial institutions to help developing countries adopt green technologies at lower cost, he spoke
- [Homo Stultus: The Case for Renaming Ourselves](https://slguardian.org/homo-stultus-the-case-for-renaming-ourselves/) - Summary: In this provocative essay, Martina Moneke argues that the scientific name Homo sapiens no longer reflects the reality of human behavior. Despite our intelligence, humanity has repeatedly demonstrated arrogance and ethical blindness—systematically misrepresenting the intelligence and agency of nonhuman animals while wreaking havoc on the planet. Drawing on philosophy, ecology, and recent scientific critique, including Christine
- [Žižek’s Blind Spot](https://slguardian.org/zizeks-blind-spot/) - Slavoj Žižek is one of the most popular critics of political correctness (PC) from the ‘left.’ It is a topic he addresses in numerous books and popular articles. While the general spirit of critiquing PC culture or wokeism from the left is certainly one I am sympathetic to, he fundamentally misunderstands the level at which
- [Sri Lanka’s Crisis Is Beyond Our Control, Dissanayake Warns](https://slguardian.org/sri-lankas-crisis-is-beyond-our-control-dissanayake-warns/) - Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says his country is confronting a disaster “beyond our control” as it struggles to recover from the catastrophic impact of Cyclone Ditwah while still emerging from years of financial turmoil, political upheaval and public distrust. In a wide-ranging and unusually candid interview with Newsweek inside the stately bilateral meeting
- [HashKey Eyes $215 Million Hong Kong IPO as City Pushes for Crypto Hub Status](https://slguardian.org/hashkey-eyes-215-million-hong-kong-ipo-as-city-pushes-for-crypto-hub-status/) - HashKey Holdings Ltd., the operator of Hong Kong’s largest licensed cryptocurrency exchange, plans to raise up to HK$1.67 billion ($215 million) through an IPO, according to a filing with the Hong Kong stock exchange on Tuesday, Bloomberg reported. The company is offering 240.6 million shares at a price range of HK$5.95 to HK$6.95 per share,
- [Microsoft CEO Nadella Visits India as Tech Giants Race to Build AI Presence](https://slguardian.org/microsoft-ceo-nadella-visits-india-as-tech-giants-race-to-build-ai-presence/) - Microsoft Corp.’s Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella this week became the latest tech leader to visit India, joining a growing procession of executives seeking to tap the country’s massive market and leverage its population as a testing ground for AI technologies, Bloomberg reported. The visits underscore India’s growing role as a global hub for artificial
- [Mexico Congress Poised to Vote on China Tariffs Amid Hopes for U.S. Relief](https://slguardian.org/mexico-congress-poised-to-vote-on-china-tariffs-amid-hopes-for-u-s-relief/) - Mexico’s Congress is set to vote this week on a proposed slate of tariffs targeting imports from China, part of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s broader strategy to shield domestic producers and ease trade tensions with the United States, Bloomberg reported. Lawmakers are expected to debate the measure in the lower house before proceeding to the Senate,
- [New Zealand Navy Ship Briefly Encounters Taiwanese Warship in Taiwan Strait](https://slguardian.org/new-zealand-navy-ship-briefly-encounters-taiwanese-warship-in-taiwan-strait/) - New Zealand’s largest naval vessel briefly encountered a Taiwanese warship while transiting the Taiwan Strait last month, the country’s armed forces said on Tuesday, publishing a rare image of the encounter, Reuters reported. The HMNZS Aotearoa, an oiler and New Zealand Navy flagship, sailed from the South China Sea to the North Asian region via
- [China Warns Trade Barriers Are Harming Global Economy](https://slguardian.org/china-warns-trade-barriers-are-harming-global-economy/) - China’s Premier Li Qiang warned on Tuesday that the “mutually destructive consequences of tariffs have become increasingly evident” over 2025, during a “1+10 Dialogue” attended by heads of the IMF, World Trade Organization, and World Bank, Reuters reported. Without explicitly naming U.S. President Donald Trump, Li emphasized that more coordinated efforts were needed to reform
- [Oil Prices Hover as Ukraine Peace Talks and U.S. Rate Decision Loom](https://slguardian.org/oil-prices-hover-as-ukraine-peace-talks-and-u-s-rate-decision-loom/) - Oil prices steadied on Tuesday after falling roughly 2% in the previous session, as traders monitored developments in peace talks aimed at ending Russia’s war in Ukraine and awaited the Federal Reserve’s upcoming interest rate decision, Reuters reported. Brent crude futures were down 2 cents, or 0.03%, at $62.47 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas
- [U.S. Cracks Nvidia Chip Smuggling Ring as Trump Greenlights H200 Exports to China](https://slguardian.org/u-s-cracks-nvidia-chip-smuggling-ring-as-trump-greenlights-h200-exports-to-china/) - Two Chinese men were taken into custody for allegedly smuggling Nvidia H100 and H200 chips to China, the U.S. Justice Department announced on Monday, Reuters reported. The arrests come as President Donald Trump authorized the export of Nvidia’s H200 AI processors to Beijing, signaling a high-stakes balancing act between national security concerns and commercial interests.
- [Ukraine to Present Revised Peace Plan to U.S. Amid Tensions Over Territory](https://slguardian.org/ukraine-to-present-revised-peace-plan-to-u-s-amid-tensions-over-territory/) - Kyiv – Ukraine will share a revised peace plan with the United States on Tuesday aimed at ending Russia’s war, following high-level talks in London between President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and the leaders of France, Germany, and Britain, Reuters reported. As the conflict nears its fourth year, Kyiv faces pressure from Washington to quickly agree to
- [Japan Fortifies “Missile Archipelago” Near Taiwan Amid Rising Tensions With China](https://slguardian.org/japan-fortifies-missile-archipelago-near-taiwan-amid-rising-tensions-with-china/) - Japan is rapidly transforming its southernmost islands into a fortified “missile archipelago” as relations with China reach their highest tension in more than a decade, Bloomberg reported. At the forefront of this buildup is the sparsely populated island of Yonaguni, just 110 kilometers east of Taiwan, which has become a strategic outpost for Japan’s defense
- [When Civilizations Rise—and Why They Collapse](https://slguardian.org/when-civilizations-rise-and-why-they-collapse/) - Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the latest issue of Finance & Development (F&D) magazine, published by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Ninth-century Baghdad, the seat of the Abbasid Caliphate, was designed as a perfect circle in tribute to the Greek geometer Euclid. The empire, enriched by its vast trade networks in goods and
- [Sri Lanka: Farewell to a Gentle Warrior](https://slguardian.org/sri-lanka-farewell-to-a-gentle-warrior/) - My acquaintance with Chula goes back to 1976–77, when Ananda Under-15 soccer practices were held at Campbell Place. Chula was a brilliant midfielder who could kick the ball with both feet—an advantage that earned him a place in the college teams. He was dynamic, versatile, and courageous despite his small stature. Though Chula was one
- [Paramount Blitzes Netflix With Shock Bid for Warner Bros Discovery](https://slguardian.org/paramount-blitzes-netflix-with-shock-bid-for-warner-bros-discovery/) - Paramount Skydance detonated Hollywood’s biggest plot twist of the year on Monday, unleashing a hostile $108.4 billion bid for Warner Bros Discovery that instantly upended Netflix’s hard-won lead in the weeks-long bidding war. The surprise move, priced at $30 per share, arrived just days after Netflix believed it had secured victory with a $72 billion
- [Giant Cosmic ‘Teacup’ Discovered: Scientists Find Biggest-Spinning Structure](https://slguardian.org/giant-cosmic-teacup-discovered-scientists-find-biggest-spinning-structure/) - Scientists have detected the largest-known spinning structure ever observed in the universe — a colossal filament of galaxies, gas and dark matter twisting through space like a cosmic carousel. The team, using South Africa’s powerful MeerKAT radio telescope array, identified the filament about 140 million light-years from Earth, revealing a thread-like structure so vast it
- [Drowning in Debt, Gen Z Turns to TikTok for Financial Survival](https://slguardian.org/drowning-in-debt-gen-z-turns-to-tiktok-for-financial-survival/) - When Owen Willis left school at 18 and landed his first marketing job at a construction firm, he thought he was getting a foothold in adult life. Instead, his £14,400 apprenticeship salary — barely enough to scrape by in London — pushed him toward nearly £20,000 of debt within a few years. As he told
- [SoftBank, Nvidia Circle $1 Billion Deal for Skild AI as Robotics Boom Accelerates](https://slguardian.org/softbank-nvidia-circle-1-billion-deal-for-skild-ai-as-robotics-boom-accelerates/) - Japan’s SoftBank Group and U.S. chip giant Nvidia are in advanced talks to pour more than $1 billion into Skild AI, a fast-rising developer of foundation models for robots, according to sources and a term sheet reviewed by Reuters. The funding could value the startup at roughly $14 billion — nearly triple the $4.7 billion
- [Chagos Deal Sparks UN Outcry](https://slguardian.org/chagos-deal-sparks-un-outcry/) - The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) issued a stark warning today, stating that a new bilateral agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius over the Chagos Archipelago threatens to prolong the historic violations suffered by the Chagossian people. The arrangement, signed on 22 May 2025 but still awaiting domestic ratification, is
- [The Honduran Election Hijacked: Trump’s Shadow over Democracy](https://slguardian.org/the-honduran-election-hijacked-trumps-shadow-over-democracy/) - An extraordinary catalog of US interference – amounting to an electoral coup – may have destroyed what was already a struggling democracy in Honduras. Trump has succeeded in closing the door to progressive government and in all likelihood his preferred neoliberal candidate – previously trailing in many opinion polls – will be declared president when
- [The Cost of Taliban Hypocrisy](https://slguardian.org/the-cost-of-taliban-hypocrisy/) - Australia’s imposition of autonomous sanctions on senior Taliban leaders marks a decisive moment in the global response to Afghanistan’s ongoing human rights crisis. Announced on 5 December 2025, these measures go beyond symbolic condemnation. By creating a separate sanctions regime tailored specifically to Afghanistan, one that allows the government to bypass the slower pace of
- [Sri Lanka: The Unseen Crisis Behind Ditwah](https://slguardian.org/sri-lanka-the-unseen-crisis-behind-ditwah/) - The Parable of the Broken Window In 1850, the French economist Frederic Bastiat penned “The Parable of the Broken Window.” A boy breaks a shop window, and a glazier is paid six francs to repair it. Onlookers muse that such accidents are good for trade, as they keep windowmakers in business. This logic, Bastiat argues,
- [Pakistan’s Hollow Minority Promise](https://slguardian.org/pakistans-hollow-minority-promise/) - The passage of Pakistan's National Commission for Minorities' Rights Bill on December 3, 2025, by a joint sitting of Parliament, represents yet another instance of the state signalling reform while ensuring that no substantive alteration occurs in the legal and ideological structures underpinning systemic discrimination. Approved with 160 votes in favour against 79 opposed, the
- [Khalistan 2.0: The New Proxy War](https://slguardian.org/khalistan-2-0-the-new-proxy-war/) - On November 18, 2025, Inderjit Karwal, Punjab state vice-president of the Shiv Sena (Bal Thackeray faction), and his son Jimmy Karwal were attacked in broad daylight by at least six armed assailants on motorcycles on Gaushala Road/Bazaar in Phagwara, Kapurthala District. The incident triggered immediate tension, prompting Shiv Sena and Hindu groups to call for
- [Foreign Forces on Sri Lankan Soil: Who Approved What, and Why Weren’t We Told?](https://slguardian.org/foreign-forces-on-sri-lankan-soil-who-approved-what-and-why-werent-we-told/) - by Luxman Aravind Nine days after Cyclone Ditwah tore through Sri Lanka’s coast, the public woke to the unexpected sight of a United States military team landing in the country under the banner of “emergency assistance.” The phrasing alone raises questions, but the timing raises far more. In any democratic society, foreign military deployments—even for humanitarian purposes—are
- [Israel Sends Emergency Aid to Sri Lanka After Cyclone Ditwah Devastation](https://slguardian.org/israel-sends-emergency-aid-to-sri-lanka-after-cyclone-ditwah-devastation/) - Israel has sent a consignment of emergency humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, which left a trail of destruction and caused significant loss of life across the island nation. In a statement issued in New Delhi, the Embassy of Israel extended its condolences to the Sri Lankan government and its
- [China’s Trade Surplus Breaks $1tn as Export Wave Reshapes Regional Economies](https://slguardian.org/chinas-trade-surplus-breaks-1tn-as-export-wave-reshapes-regional-economies/) - China’s trade surplus has exceeded $1tn for the first time, marking a watershed moment for the global economy as Beijing’s manufacturing engine powers ahead despite intensifying geopolitical tensions and slowing demand in key markets. Citing official figures, the Financial Times reported that China’s surplus swelled to around $1.076 trillion this year, highlighting a divergence between
- [Thai F-16 Airstrikes Shatter Ceasefire, Border Crisis Surges](https://slguardian.org/thai-f-16-airstrikes-shatter-ceasefire-border-crisis-surges/) - Thailand launched a series of air strikes with F-16 bombers along its disputed frontier with Cambodia on Monday, after both governments accused each other of breaching a US-brokered ceasefire. According to Cambodia’s Defence Ministry, Thai forces opened fire on Cambodian troops at 5:04am near the Preah Vihear and Ta Moan Thom temple zones, long among
- [Binance Secures Major Abu Dhabi Licenses in Bid for Global Dominance](https://slguardian.org/binance-secures-major-abu-dhabi-licenses-in-bid-for-global-dominance/) - Binance Holdings Ltd. has secured three separate licenses from Abu Dhabi’s financial regulator, marking one of the company’s most significant regulatory wins to date. The approvals, granted during Abu Dhabi Finance Week, authorize the crypto exchange to operate a regulated trading venue, handle clearing and settlement, and run broker-dealer services directly from the emirate. The
- [IndiGo Meltdown Exposes Cracks in India’s Aviation Giant](https://slguardian.org/indigo-meltdown-exposes-cracks-in-indias-aviation-giant/) - It was, as Bloomberg reported, “the straw that broke the highly-optimized camel’s back.” On the evening of Dec. 2, just three days before India’s largest airline would lose control of its operations in one of the worst aviation breakdowns in the country’s history, IndiGo executives detected a technology glitch in the airline’s check-in system. What
- [Japan’s Economy Contracts More Sharply, Boosting Case for Massive Stimulus](https://slguardian.org/japans-economy-contracts-more-sharply-boosting-case-for-massive-stimulus/) - Japan’s economy shrank more than initially estimated in the third quarter, reinforcing Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s push for a sweeping stimulus package aimed at easing the strain of inflation and reviving growth. Revised government figures released Monday showed gross domestic product contracted at an annualized rate of 2.3% in the three months through September, compared
- [India: RBI’s Secret $100-Million-a-Minute Orders Jolt India’s Currency Market](https://slguardian.org/india-rbis-secret-100-million-a-minute-orders-jolt-indias-currency-market/) - India’s battle to contain a rapidly weakening rupee has entered a new, more aggressive phase as the Reserve Bank of India deploys highly unpredictable intervention tactics that are reshaping currency trading and unnerving speculators. According to Bloomberg, the central bank now issues classified instructions each morning from inside sealed rooms in its Mumbai headquarters, directing
- [India’s Forex Reserves Slide Again as RBI Reports $1.8 Billion Weekly Drop](https://slguardian.org/indias-forex-reserves-slide-again-as-rbi-reports-1-8-billion-weekly-drop/) - India’s foreign exchange reserves fell for a second consecutive week, declining by $1.8 billion to $686.2 billion for the week ending 28 November 2025, according to the latest data released by the Reserve Bank of India. The fall extends a multi-week downtrend, following a sharper $4.4 billion drop in the previous reporting week. The latest
- [Allison Mack: From Smallville Star to Sex Cult Survivor](https://slguardian.org/allison-mack-from-smallville-star-to-sex-cult-survivor/) - Four years after her sentencing for her role in the NXIVM sex cult, American actress Allison Mack has opened up in her first extensive interview since her release, revealing the complex reality of being both a victim and a perpetrator in the organization, according to Times UK. Once known as the perky sidekick on the
- [China Unveils ASW Arsenal That Threatens US–Japan Submarine Dominance](https://slguardian.org/china-unveils-asw-arsenal-that-threatens-us-japan-submarine-dominance/) - China is rapidly advancing its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, rolling out a suite of networked, autonomous systems that could upend decades of undersea dominance by the United States and Japan. Over the past ten days alone, Beijing has showcased a series of breakthroughs spanning air, sea, and underwater platforms, raising concerns in Washington and Tokyo
- [Wall Street Shifts AI Bets: OpenAI Slumps, Alphabet Surges](https://slguardian.org/wall-street-shifts-ai-bets-openai-slumps-alphabet-surges/) - Wall Street’s enthusiasm for artificial intelligence companies is undergoing a dramatic reversal, with OpenAI losing favor while Alphabet Inc. rises in prominence, according to Bloomberg. OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is facing growing questions about its lack of profitability and the pressure to expand rapidly to fund its massive spending commitments. Meanwhile, Alphabet is being
- [Macron Threatens China with Tariffs Over Soaring EU Trade Deficit](https://slguardian.org/macron-threatens-china-with-tariffs-over-soaring-eu-trade-deficit/) - French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that the European Union could be forced to take “strong measures” against China, including tariffs, if Beijing does not address its growing trade surplus with the bloc. Speaking to Les Echos, Macron said China’s trade practices were unsustainable and harming European industries. “I’m trying to explain to the Chinese
- [Trump's National Security Strategy: Reaction and Realisation](https://slguardian.org/trumps-national-security-strategy-reaction-and-realisation/) - The first National Security Strategy of the United States of America was released in 1950 under President Truman. It set firm strategic goals based on the containment doctrine to limit the influence of communist ideology in the global order. This first national security strategy marked the beginning of limited global policing in US geopolitics, but
- [Sri Lanka Crisis: Don’t Waste This Moment](https://slguardian.org/sri-lanka-crisis-dont-waste-this-moment/) - Never waste a crisis – former Foreign Minister Ali Sabri called on the country's leaders to use the national tragedy as an opportunity for transformative, long-term reform and reconstruction. He went on to say how Germany rebuilt industrial power from war ruins, how Japan re-engineered resilience after disaster, how the Philippines revived agriculture after total
- [Criminalizing Environmental Protest](https://slguardian.org/criminalizing-environmental-protest/) - On November 24, 2025, a peaceful protest against Delhi's escalating air-pollution crisis at India Gate turned violent after a heavy-handed police crackdown. The protesters, predominantly environmental activists, were demanding immediate action to tackle the city's toxic air quality, which has reached alarming levels. However, the Delhi Police's response escalated the situation, resulting in the arrest
- [Who Controls Sri Lanka’s Future?](https://slguardian.org/foreign-forces-strategic-pearl-who-controls-sri-lankas-future/) - “Pearly shells, shining in the ocean…” The gentle lyric of that timeless island song carries more geopolitical truth than its composer ever imagined. Pearls are prized for their beauty, rarity, and the desire they evoke. In the same way, Sri Lanka—long celebrated as “the Pearl of the Indian Ocean”—sits shimmering at the centre of one
- [Bangladesh on the Edge: Between Puppet Rule and Power Reclaimed](https://slguardian.org/bangladesh-on-the-edge-between-puppet-rule-and-power-reclaimed/) - India and Russia held their 23rd Annual Summit in New Delhi on 4–5 December 2025, marking a quarter century of their Strategic Partnership (2000–2025). The visit reaffirmed the depth and durability of their Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, highlighting continuity, mutual confidence, and sustained strategic alignment at a time of profound global uncertainty. Both sides
- [Pakistan Lends a Lifeline to Flood-Hit Sri Lanka](https://slguardian.org/pakistan-lends-a-lifeline-to-flood-hit-sri-lanka/) - In a powerful demonstration of regional solidarity and humanitarian commitment, the Pakistan Navy this week played a pivotal role in rescue efforts in Sri Lanka, a nation reeling from the devastating impact of Cyclone Ditwah. As Sri Lanka faces its worst flooding in a decade, triggering mass displacement, landslides, and a tragic death toll surpassing
- [Cyclone death in Sri Lanka rises to 627 as US boots on the ground for the first time](https://slguardian.org/cyclone-death-in-sri-lanka-rises-to-627-as-us-boots-on-the-ground-for-the-first-time/) - by Our Correspondent in Colombo Sri Lanka’s humanitarian crisis deepened on Sunday as the official death toll from Cyclone Ditwah rose to 627, with 190 people still reported missing and more than 2.17 million individuals affected nationwide. According to the Disaster Management Center, the storm has devastated 611,530 families across all 25 districts, with Puttalam,
- [Putin in Modi’s India](https://slguardian.org/putin-in-modis-india/) - That was no ordinary greeting; on the frosty evening of last Thursday, Indian Prime Minister Modi embraced Russian President Vladimir Putin in a bear hug at Delhi airport and, within moments, presented him with a copy of the Bhagavad Gita in Russian. The choice of gift was laden with symbolism—echoes of Robert Oppenheimer, who drew
- [IndiGo’s Fall from Grace](https://slguardian.org/indigos-fall-from-grace/) - by Our Correspondent in New Delhi In the cutthroat world of aviation, where margins are wafer-thin and operational missteps unforgiving, leadership is not just important—it is everything. And yet, in a stunning demonstration of how hubris and boardroom politics can destroy even the most successful enterprise, IndiGo Airlines, India’s market darling, is teetering on the
- [A History of Calamities and Political Collapses in Sri Lanka](https://slguardian.org/a-history-of-calamities-and-political-collapses-in-sri-lanka/) - The 1956 general election was a political deluge. That deluge swept away the UNP, then the largest political party in Sri Lanka, the way a flood sweeps away a mansion. Riding the crest of that political wave was Bandaranaike. He became Prime Minister with an overwhelming public mandate by claiming that the UNP had been
- [UK Exposes “Brazen” Smuggling Kingpins Who Gained Citizenship Through Lies](https://slguardian.org/uk-exposes-brazen-smuggling-kingpins-who-gained-citizenship-through-lies/) - A sweeping legal battle in London has exposed what authorities describe as one of the most audacious people-smuggling operations to infiltrate Britain in decades — allegedly masterminded by two Iraqi-Kurdish men who entered the UK illegally, gained citizenship, and then spent years exploiting the very system that granted them refuge. The men, known only as
- [UK Universities Unwittingly Fuel China’s Military Rise](https://slguardian.org/uk-universities-unwittingly-fuel-chinas-military-rise/) - A sweeping new analysis has exposed the scale at which British universities have been drawn into China’s strategic effort to harvest overseas research, with more than 8,000 joint scientific papers linking UK academics to Chinese institutions tied to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The findings — reported by Times UK and detailed in a comprehensive
- [From Guerrillas to Peacemakers: PKK Fighters Step Into the Light as Historic Shift Unfolds](https://slguardian.org/from-guerrillas-to-peacemakers-pkk-fighters-step-into-the-light-as-historic-shift-unfolds/) - High in the remote Qandil mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan — long considered impenetrable terrain and the heart of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) insurgency — an extraordinary shift is underway. For the first time in decades, hundreds of fighters have descended from hidden mountain tunnels to openly celebrate the PKK’s anniversary, signalling a dramatic turn
- [Chinese Top Spy Agency Warns Foreign Spies Are Planting Malicious Wi-Fi](https://slguardian.org/chinese-top-spy-agency-warns-foreign-spies-are-planting-malicious-wi-fi/) - China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) has issued a stark warning that foreign spy agencies are deploying malicious Wi-Fi networks near government offices to steal sensitive data from public employees. In a notice published on its official WeChat account on Sunday, the country’s top intelligence body said hostile services are targeting officials who may unknowingly
- [Crypto Mega-Donation to Reform UK Sparks Fears of ‘American-Style’ Politics](https://slguardian.org/crypto-mega-donation-to-reform-uk-sparks-fears-of-american-style-politics/) - Reform UK has triggered a political storm after securing a record-breaking £9 million donation from cryptocurrency investor Christopher Harborne, a revelation first highlighted in reporting by Bloomberg. The unprecedented sum — the largest ever given to a British political party by a living donor — has fueled concerns that the UK may be drifting toward
- [Asian Borrowers Flee the Dollar as Trump’s Policies Accelerate Shift Toward Euro Funding](https://slguardian.org/asian-borrowers-flee-the-dollar-as-trumps-policies-accelerate-shift-toward-euro-funding/) - Asian companies and governments are rapidly expanding their reliance on euro-denominated financing, signaling a significant shift in global funding patterns and raising questions about the durability of US dollar supremacy. According to Bloomberg-compiled data, Asia Pacific borrowers issued a record 23% of their offshore debt in euros this year — a six-point jump from 2024
- [Tokyo Presses Trump for Stronger Backing as China Rages Over Takaichi’s Taiwan Comments](https://slguardian.org/tokyo-presses-trump-for-stronger-backing-as-china-rages-over-takaichis-taiwan-comments/) - Japan is pressing the United States for more forceful public support of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi after her warning that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could pose an “existential threat” to Japan — a statement that triggered furious backlash from Beijing. According to reporting from the Financial Times, officials in Tokyo are frustrated that top
- [Amazon Accused of Pressuring Clean-Energy Group as Big Tech Splits](https://slguardian.org/amazon-accused-of-pressuring-clean-energy-group-as-big-tech-splits/) - Amazon has been accused of pressuring a major European clean-energy coalition by raising the possibility of pulling its financial support, as Big Tech companies battle over looming carbon-accounting reforms that could make it far harder for data-center giants to meet their climate claims. According to several attendees of last month’s RE-Source advisory board meeting, Amazon
- [US Natural Gas Prices Surge as Record LNG Exports Fuel Political Trouble for Trump](https://slguardian.org/us-natural-gas-prices-surge-as-record-lng-exports-fuel-political-trouble-for-trump/) - US natural gas prices are climbing at their fastest pace in years, driven by record exports of liquefied natural gas and an increasingly strained domestic supply — a combination that is deepening a cost-of-living squeeze and creating political headaches for President Donald Trump. Wholesale prices have risen more than 70 per cent over the past
- [Pompeii Discovery Reveals Surprisingly Rich Diet of Ancient Roman Slaves](https://slguardian.org/pompeii-discovery-reveals-surprisingly-rich-diet-of-ancient-roman-slaves/) - New archaeological findings at a lavish villa outside ancient Pompeii are reshaping historians’ understanding of how some Roman slaves lived, according to reporting from the Times UK. Although enslaved people in ancient Rome typically endured harsh labor and short, punishing lives, evidence uncovered at the site shows that their meals were at times far better
- [South Korea Confronts Surge in IP Camera Hacks Exposing Private Lives](https://slguardian.org/south-korea-confronts-surge-in-ip-camera-hacks-exposing-private-lives/) - Hackers in South Korea have infiltrated tens of thousands of internet-connected home cameras, stealing intimate footage and selling it to Chinese pornography websites, according to detailed reporting by the Times UK. The cameras—commonly used in bedrooms, nurseries and care settings—were intended to let families monitor loved ones remotely, but their convenience has increasingly become a
- [Rowan Atkinson Extends Festive Chaos with New Netflix Comedy “Man Vs Baby”](https://slguardian.org/rowan-atkinson-extends-festive-chaos-with-new-netflix-comedy-man-vs-baby/) - Rowan Atkinson has spent 13 consecutive months immersed in Christmas for his latest Netflix production Man Vs Baby, a follow-up to the 2022 hit Man Vs Bee. The new series, set almost entirely during the festive season inside a lavish Piccadilly penthouse, places Atkinson’s familiar alter ego Trevor Bingley in another high-stakes house-sitting role—this time
- [Trump’s New National Security Strategy of Obsession](https://slguardian.org/trumps-new-national-security-strategy-of-obsession/) - by Our Defence Affairs Editor The 2025 National Security Strategy of the United States published this week is framed as a repudiation of what it calls decades of “laundry lists of wishes” that “misjudged what we should want,” but beneath its rhetoric lies a deeper revelation: an obsessive fixation on China that bleeds into every
- [The New Scramble for Balochistan](https://slguardian.org/the-new-scramble-for-balochistan/) - On December 2, 2025, Pakistan and Türkiye signed five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and Deeds of Assignment (DoAs) focused on oil and gas exploration, while agreeing to broaden cooperation to mining and equity participation in the power sector. The agreements were concluded during a visit by a Turkish delegation led by Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar,
- [Trump’s New World Order](https://slguardian.org/trumps-new-world-order/) - US National Security Strategy was quietly released by the U.S. President Donald J. Trump on Dec 4, 2025. To protect America’s core national interests the Trump Administration crafted a “roadmap to ensure that America remains the greatest and most successful nation in human history, and the home of freedom on earth.” Trump adds that, “In
- [A Climate Alarm the World Refused to Hear](https://slguardian.org/a-climate-alarm-the-world-refused-to-hear/) - Editor’s note: This column was originally published in Nature and It addresses an under-reported climate disaster unfolding across the Indian Ocean region. In late November, three tropical cyclones — Senyar, Ditwah and Koto — devastated cities and villages in countries around the Indian Ocean. In Indonesia’s Sumatra, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands,
- [Aftermath of Disaster: Death Toll Rises to 611, 213 Missing, and Over 2 Million Affected](https://slguardian.org/aftermath-of-disaster-death-toll-rises-to-611-213-missing-and-over-2-million-affected/) - The Disaster Management Center (DMC) has released its latest nationwide assessment, reporting that the death toll from the recent disaster has climbed to 611, with 213 people still missing. As rescue and relief operations continue, the total number of individuals affected across the island has reached 2,054,535, while 576,626 are classified as directly impacted. The
- [Sri Lanka’s Shame Laid Bare](https://slguardian.org/sri-lankas-shame-laid-bare/) - Editorial There comes a point in a nation’s decay when words like “failure” or “mismanagement” are no longer sufficient, because they imply that people tried and merely fell short. What we witness today is not failure. It is something darker, something rotted, something that smells of a people who have surrendered the last fibres of
- [Niger Accuses French Nuclear Firm Orano of Radioactive Dumping](https://slguardian.org/niger-accuses-french-nuclear-firm-orano-of-radioactive-dumping/) - Niger’s military government has accused French state-controlled nuclear group Orano of dumping hazardous radioactive waste near a former uranium site, escalating an already tense standoff over control of the country’s uranium industry. Officials said about 400 barrels containing highly radioactive material were found abandoned at Madaouela, near the northern mining town of Arlit, long a
- [Berlin Approves Controversial Law Allowing Secret Home Entries for Spyware](https://slguardian.org/berlin-approves-controversial-law-allowing-secret-home-entries-for-spyware/) - Berlin police will be permitted to covertly enter private homes to install spyware after the city’s House of Representatives approved sweeping changes to police powers, marking one of the most expansive surveillance reforms in decades. The legislation, backed by the governing CDU-SPD coalition and the opposition AfD, significantly broadens the tools available to law enforcement
- [How China Beat America in the Silicon Battlefield](https://slguardian.org/how-china-beat-america-in-the-silicon-battlefield/) - America has already lost the chip war with China, and the origin story explains why: the semiconductor stack was built as an instrument of state power—an architecture that fixed roles and chokepoints in ways time and scale later turned against Washington. Silicon is one of the most common elements on Earth, scattered through sand, rock,
- [U.S. Sets 2027 Deadline for Europe to Take Lead in NATO Defense](https://slguardian.org/u-s-sets-2027-deadline-for-europe-to-take-lead-in-nato-defense/) - The United States has informed European allies that it expects them to assume the majority of NATO’s conventional defense responsibilities by 2027, a timeline that several European officials say is not achievable, according to five people familiar with the discussions who spoke to Reuters. Pentagon officials delivered the message during meetings in Washington with multiple
- [Exiled Assad Insiders Spend Millions to Build Rival Militias, Eyeing Revolt on Syria’s Coast](https://slguardian.org/exiled-assad-insiders-spend-millions-to-build-rival-militias-eyeing-revolt-on-syrias-coast/) - Former Syrian regime insiders living in exile in Moscow are spending millions of dollars to build rival fighting forces with the goal of igniting an uprising along Syria’s Mediterranean coast, according to a months-long Reuters investigation based on interviews with 48 people, internal documents, financial records, and photos. The two central figures—former military intelligence chief
- [AI Investment Wave Surges Past Historic Tech Spending](https://slguardian.org/ai-investment-wave-surges-past-historic-tech-spending/) - The global surge in artificial intelligence investment has accelerated to unprecedented levels, surpassing the scale and speed of spending behind some of history’s most ambitious scientific and technological undertakings, according to industry data and analyst estimates. The Manhattan Project, which produced the first atomic weapons during World War II, cost roughly $30 billion in today’s
- [Netflix’s $72 Billion Warner Bros Deal Chosen for Immediate Payoff](https://slguardian.org/netflixs-72-billion-warner-bros-deal-chosen-for-immediate-payoff/) - Netflix’s pursuit of Warner Bros Discovery began as a routine fact-finding effort but ultimately escalated into one of the largest media acquisitions in a decade, a deal that people familiar with the matter told Reuters is poised to reshape the global entertainment industry. Netflix announced Friday that it had secured a $72 billion agreement to
- [Viva Venezuela!](https://slguardian.org/viva-venezuela/) - A very close friend of mine in southern California used to listen to Fox News pretty much non-stop. The Venezuelan Communists, according to Fox, were planning to invade the USA, he warned me. Hordes of savage Venezuelans were about to ravage the lovely coast of Southern California. Was this before Al-Qaeda, the Islamic State, Taliban, and the
- [India–Russia: The Summit That Didn’t Deliver](https://slguardian.org/india-russia-the-summit-that-didnt-deliver/) - After weeks of hype over possibility of multiple defence sales agreements to be announced if not contracts inked during the Annual India and Russia Summit on December 05 in the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the absence of any major declaration may seem underwhelming. For the record
- [Why Sri Lanka Was Unprepared for Cyclone Ditwah?](https://slguardian.org/why-sri-lanka-was-unprepared-for-cyclone-ditwah/) - This question haunts every survivor, every family member who lost a loved one, every rescue worker who arrived too late. The uncomfortable truth emerging from post-disaster analyses is clear: while the storm itself was tracked and forecasted, Sri Lanka's warning and response systems failed catastrophically, contributing to a death toll exceeding 470 people and leaving
- [The Taliban’s Theatre of Terror](https://slguardian.org/the-talibans-theatre-of-terror/) - On December 2, Taliban's Supreme Court announced that, on the orders of Supreme Leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, a man, identified as Mangal, was publicly executed at a stadium in Khost city, the provincial capital of Khost Province, on charges of premeditated murder. An estimated 80,000 people gathered at the stadium to watch the execution, which was
- [America’s New Drone: An Iranian Clone](https://slguardian.org/americas-new-drone-an-iranian-clone/) - The US Central Command, a vital player in Middle East security, is now flying a clone of an Iranian drone. The US drone is a copy of the Shaheed 136, the same drone the Russians used for their home-built Gerans (Geran 1 and Geran 2) that have been heavily used in Ukraine. The Shaheed 136
- [Risking Death to Save the Planet](https://slguardian.org/risking-death-to-save-the-planet/) - Land and environmental defenders—Indigenous leaders, farmers, conservationists, and community activists—risk their lives opposing the destructive exploitation of natural resources. Global Witness defines them as people who “take a stand… against the unjust, discriminatory, corrupt or damaging exploitation of natural resources or the environment.” Often described as the planet’s last line of defense, they protest, document,
- [Trump's South Asia Gambit](https://slguardian.org/trumps-south-asia-gambit/) - President Trump’s mediation of the May 2025 ceasefire marked a pivotal shift in U.S. South Asia policy. Historically, Washington prioritized India as its principal strategic ally to balance regional powers and promote economic cooperation. By brokering peace during the Pakistan-India border conflict, the United States repositioned Pakistan at the forefront of its strategic considerations. This
- [Namibia: Military Gun-Smuggling Syndicate Exposed](https://slguardian.org/namibia-military-gun-smuggling-syndicate-exposed/) - A long-running syndicate accused of smuggling military-owned guns onto the black market in Namibia and South Africa has come into sharper focus, as new information obtained by The Issue links the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs to weapons that ended up in the hands of criminal groups across the border. The revelations follow years
- [Macron to Unveil Updated Nuclear Doctrine in Early 2026](https://slguardian.org/macron-to-unveil-updated-nuclear-doctrine-in-early-2026/) - French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to announce significant updates to France’s nuclear doctrine in early 2026, according to a report citing a source close to the president. The source confirmed that preparations for the revisions are under way, though details of the proposed changes remain undisclosed. The report indicates that French authorities are continuing
- [A Dangerous First in Indian Democracy](https://slguardian.org/a-dangerous-first-in-indian-democracy/) - Over the last seventy years since India’s independence, democratic culture has taken deep root in the country. In such conditions, while some critics of the democratic system describe Indian democracy as noisy and chaotic, the fact remains that the democratic framework in India has protected the freedom of speech and action of citizens to a
- [US State Department Travel Warning on Venezuela: What Washington Fears Most](https://slguardian.org/us-state-department-travel-warning-on-venezuela-what-washington-fears-most/) - Following his earlier threat that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s days are numbered, US President Donald Trump announced on social media he was closing Venezuelan airspace. He then immodestly proclaimed the “Trump Corollary” to the Monroe Doctrine, commending his nineteenth century predecessor for presciently envisioning “a superpower unlike anything the world had ever known.” On December
- [US Pushes Back Against EU Plan to Use Frozen Russian Assets for Ukraine Loan](https://slguardian.org/us-pushes-back-against-eu-plan-to-use-frozen-russian-assets-for-ukraine-loan/) - The United States has lobbied several European Union countries to oppose plans to use frozen Russian central bank assets to back a massive loan to Ukraine, according to European diplomats familiar with the matter. US officials argued that the assets should be preserved to help secure a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow rather than
- [BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF Suffers Longest Withdrawal Streak Since Launch](https://slguardian.org/blackrocks-bitcoin-etf-suffers-longest-withdrawal-streak-since-launch/) - BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust has logged its longest streak of weekly withdrawals since its January 2024 debut, underscoring waning institutional enthusiasm for Bitcoin even as the cryptocurrency’s price steadies. More than $2.7 billion exited the fund over the five weeks ending Nov. 28, according to Bloomberg-compiled data. Another $113 million in redemptions on Thursday put
- [IndiGo Grounds All Delhi Flights Amid Ongoing Operational Turmoil](https://slguardian.org/indigo-grounds-all-delhi-flights-amid-ongoing-operational-turmoil/) - IndiGo has canceled all domestic flights departing from New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport until midnight Friday, intensifying a wave of travel disruption that has stretched through the week. The airport operator announced the suspension in a post on X, noting that operations for all other airlines remain unaffected. The move comes as IndiGo, which
- [Putin, Modi Hold High-Stakes Talks in Delhi After Four-Year Gap](https://slguardian.org/putin-modi-hold-high-stakes-talks-in-delhi-after-four-year-gap/) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened summit talks in New Delhi on Friday, marking Putin’s first visit to India in four years and signalling a renewed push to expand strategic and economic cooperation. Modi welcomed the Russian leader with a ceremonial reception and emphasized India’s support for peace initiatives in
- [Xi Hosts Macron in Chengdu in Rare Diplomatic Gesture](https://slguardian.org/xi-hosts-macron-in-chengdu-in-rare-diplomatic-gesture/) - Chinese President Xi Jinping accompanied French President Emmanuel Macron to Chengdu on Friday, a rare show of personal diplomacy that underscored China’s focus on France as a central partner in its engagements with the European Union. The gesture, typically reserved for a select few leaders, marked a notable highlight of Macron’s fourth state visit to
- [The Wrong War on Extremism](https://slguardian.org/the-wrong-war-on-extremism/) - The late-November 2025 incidents involving Afghan evacuees from Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) exposed deep structural weaknesses within the United States' (US) security and immigration systems. The attack by Rahmanullah Lakanwal - an evacuee who had served alongside US forces in Afghanistan and later radicalized after resettlement - killed one National Guard member and injured another on November
- [The Politics of a Melting Planet](https://slguardian.org/the-politics-of-a-melting-planet/) - During the closing plenaries of the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) in Belém do Pará in the Brazilian Amazon, United Nations Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell gave a rousing speech. Stiell, from Grenada, came to his post after a long career in the corporate sector and
- [Solidarity in the Storm](https://slguardian.org/solidarity-in-the-storm/) - Sri Lanka was struck by severe flooding and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah, leading to road blockages, destruction of homes and loss of life. Immediately following the disaster, Chinese companies operating in Sri Lanka activated emergency response mechanisms, quickly mobilising donations and rescue efforts — putting into practice the solidarity envisioned under the Belt and
- [US Shelves Sanctions on China's Top Spy Agency to Protect Trade Truce](https://slguardian.org/us-shelves-sanctions-on-chinas-top-spy-agency-to-protect-trade-truce/) - The United States has decided to halt plans to impose sanctions on China’s Ministry of State Security over a large-scale cyber spying campaign, aiming to preserve a trade truce reached earlier this year, according to the Financial Times. The cyber campaign, tracked under the name Salt Typhoon, involved Chinese-linked hackers targeting multiple U.S. and global
- [India: Assam Bans Radical and ‘Jihadi’ Material to Curb Extremism](https://slguardian.org/india-assam-bans-radical-and-jihadi-material-to-curb-extremism/) - The Assam government has announced a comprehensive ban on the publication, circulation, possession, and distribution of radical or jihadi material associated with terror groups such as Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), Ansar-Al-Islam/pro-AQIS, and other affiliated organizations. The move aims to prevent extremist propaganda and protect vulnerable youth from radicalization. A notification from the
- [China Eastern Launches World’s Longest One-Way Flight](https://slguardian.org/china-eastern-launches-worlds-longest-one-way-flight/) - China Eastern Airlines has inaugurated what it says is the world’s longest one-way commercial flight, a roughly 20,000-kilometer journey connecting Shanghai with Buenos Aires through a stopover in Auckland, according to information released by the airline and reported by the Global Times. Flight MU745 departed Shanghai Pudong International Airport early Thursday, marking the debut of
- [China Masses More Than 100 Naval and Coast Guard Ships Across East Asia](https://slguardian.org/china-masses-more-than-100-naval-and-coast-guard-ships-across-east-asia/) - China has deployed an unusually large concentration of naval and coast guard vessels across East Asian waters, at one point surpassing 100 ships in what sources described to Reuters as the country’s largest maritime show of force to date. The operations, which began intensifying after mid-November, stretch from the southern Yellow Sea through the East
- [How EU Is Trying to Use Frozen Russian Assets to Fund Ukraine](https://slguardian.org/how-eu-is-trying-to-use-frozen-russian-assets-to-fund-ukraine/) - European Union leaders are exploring ways to lend tens of billions of euros to Ukraine using frozen Russian assets, as support from Washington diminishes and Kyiv faces potential funding shortages early next year. The plan seeks to tap roughly 210 billion euros ($245 billion) of Russian assets held in Europe, mostly in cash, though the
- [India Proposes Delta-Based Limits for Equity Index Options](https://slguardian.org/india-proposes-delta-based-limits-for-equity-index-options/) - India’s market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), on Thursday proposed a shift in how position limits for equity index options are set, moving from total contract value to delta-based limits that more accurately reflect the price sensitivity and risk of positions, Reuters reports. The new framework is intended to align limits
- [The LTTE Is Gone — But Eelam Isn’t](https://slguardian.org/the-ltte-is-gone-but-eelam-isnt/) - In a recent discourse in New Delhi, respected author and journalist M. R. Narayan Swamy — widely recognized for his extensive work on the LTTE, including his biography of Velupillai Prabhakaran — categorically stated that the LTTE as we knew it “cannot return.” His assertion that “it may be possible for the Buddha to return,
- [Phoebe Gates’ AI Shopping Startup Phia Seeks $30 Million Raise at $180 Million Valuation](https://slguardian.org/phoebe-gates-ai-shopping-startup-phia-seeks-30-million-raise-at-180-million-valuation/) - Phoebe Gates, daughter of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates, is raising $30 million in new funding for her artificial intelligence shopping startup, Phia, according to a pitch deck viewed by Bloomberg. A company spokesperson confirmed the fundraising effort, which will value the New York-based firm at roughly $180 million. The new round
- [Zuckerberg Weighs Deep Cuts to Metaverse as Meta Shifts Toward AI](https://slguardian.org/zuckerberg-weighs-deep-cuts-to-metaverse-as-meta-shifts-toward-ai/) - Meta Platforms Inc. is preparing to significantly scale back its once-flagship metaverse ambitions, with Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg weighing budget cuts as steep as 30 percent for the division responsible for virtual reality and Horizon Worlds, according to information first reported by Bloomberg. Such reductions would almost certainly trigger layoffs as early as January, though
- [India Finalizes $2 Billion Nuclear Submarine Lease From Russia](https://slguardian.org/india-finalizes-2-billion-nuclear-submarine-lease-from-russia/) - India has agreed to pay roughly $2 billion to lease a nuclear-powered attack submarine from Russia, completing a deal that has been under negotiation for nearly a decade, according to information reported by Bloomberg and confirmed by people familiar with the talks. The contract, originally signed in March 2019 but delayed for years, is now
- [Saudi Arabia Cuts Oil Prices to Asia to Five-Year Low](https://slguardian.org/saudi-arabia-cuts-oil-prices-to-asia-to-five-year-low/) - Saudi Arabia has slashed the price of its flagship Arab Light crude for Asian buyers to the lowest level since early 2021, signaling intensifying pressure from a persistent global oil surplus, according to pricing details reported by Bloomberg. State producer Saudi Aramco set the January official selling price at a 60-cent premium to the regional
- [Macron Presses Xi for More Chinese Investment as Trade Imbalance Widens](https://slguardian.org/macron-presses-xi-for-more-chinese-investment-as-trade-imbalance-widens/) - French President Emmanuel Macron used a high-profile meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping to push for increased Chinese investment in France, seeking to narrow a persistent and politically sensitive trade gap that has grown to roughly €47 billion. According to reporting by Bloomberg, Macron told Xi that Europe urgently needs a clearer framework to attract
- [Cambricon Plans Massive AI Chip Expansion to Challenge Huawei and Fill Nvidia Void](https://slguardian.org/cambricon-plans-massive-ai-chip-expansion-to-challenge-huawei-and-fill-nvidia-void/) - Cambricon Technologies Corp. is preparing an aggressive production surge that would more than triple its output of artificial intelligence chips in 2026, positioning the company to seize market share from Huawei and capitalize on Nvidia’s forced retreat from China, according to information reported by Bloomberg. People familiar with the plan said the Beijing-based chip designer
- [Thailand Greenlights $107 Million Purchase of Israeli Barak MX Air Defense System](https://slguardian.org/thailand-greenlights-107-million-purchase-of-israeli-barak-mx-air-defense-system/) - Thailand has approved a major air-defense acquisition, signing a $107 million deal to purchase Israel’s Barak MX system to protect Royal Thai Air Force bases, according to reporting originally highlighted by Haaretz. The contract, valued at roughly 3.44 billion baht, covers a single battery produced by Israel Aerospace Industries and marks one of the country’s
- [Israeli Spyware Still Operating After U.S. Sanctions, New Pakistan Targeting Revealed](https://slguardian.org/israeli-spyware-still-operating-after-u-s-sanctions-new-pakistan-targeting-revealed/) - A human rights lawyer in Pakistan received an unexpected WhatsApp message last summer from someone posing as a journalist, complete with a realistic profile picture and a seemingly credible link to a European news site. The site was fake, the link was a lure, and according to Amnesty International’s Security Lab, it carried the signature
- [Exclusive: Maldives President’s Sri Lanka Visit Postponed](https://slguardian.org/exclusive-maldives-presidents-sri-lanka-visit-postponed/) - The government of the Maldives has confirmed that the planned visit of its President to Sri Lanka — originally slated for November 7–9 — has been postponed, in light of the ongoing crisis triggered by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka. According to Maldivian sources, the “biggest” visit has been deferred until conditions stabilise and a
- [Netanyahu taps insider to lead Mossad — Roman Gupman set to take helm in June 2026](https://slguardian.org/netanyahu-taps-insider-to-lead-mossad-roman-gupman-set-to-take-helm-in-june-2026/) - by Our Defence Affairs Editor Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement that Roman Gupman will become the next director of the Mossad has sent ripples across Israel’s political and security establishment. Gupman, who currently serves as Netanyahu’s military liaison, is slated to assume command of Israel’s legendary intelligence agency in June 2026 — a transition that
- [Cyclone Ditwah: Chaos, Controversy, and the Test of Power](https://slguardian.org/cyclone-ditwah-chaos-controversy-and-the-test-of-power/) - President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) would remember his 58th birthday on November 24 for long as the disastrous cyclone Ditwah struck a few days later. Before the cyclone struck, heavy rains in coastal cities and northern highlands flooded the infrastructure and caused landslides. Road and rail communication have been disrupted due to flooding. The inclement
- [Sri Lanka: Cyclone Ditwah Triggers Fury Over Alleged Government Negligence](https://slguardian.org/sri-lanka-cyclone-ditwah-triggers-fury-over-alleged-government-negligence/) - The year 2025 ends with devastating loss of lives and property, both private and public, as a result of floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah. Social media erupted over accusations that the National People’s Power (NPP)government failed to issue a proper warning, in spite of the Director General of the Meteorology Department, Athula Karunanayaka,
- [Sri Lanka: Former President Sounds Alarm Over JVP’s Grip on State Machinery](https://slguardian.org/sri-lanka-former-president-sounds-alarm-over-jvps-grip-on-state-machinery/) - by Our Correspondent in Colombo Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has called on the President to immediately remove all state authority allegedly being exercised from the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) headquarters in Pelawatta and restore power to Parliament. Speaking on December 3 in Colombo during a meeting with political party leaders and representatives, Wickremesinghe said the
- [Kyiv’s Final Cynical Gambit](https://slguardian.org/kyivs-final-cynical-gambit/) - As expected, Tuesday’s five-hour meeting in the Kremlin produced no breakthrough. Moscow made it clear it will not compromise on its demand that Ukrainian forces withdraw from the remaining parts of Donbass under their control. Kiev, for its part, insists that any voluntary pullback is impossible. And it is doubtful the US administration could compel
- [Russia–India Axis Deepens as the ‘Rules-Based Order’ Falls Apart](https://slguardian.org/putin-in-india/) - A state visit by the Russian president to India is always a significant event, given the size of the two countries and their influence on the world stage. However, Vladimir Putin’s trip this week to New Delhi is particularly notable. It is taking place against the backdrop of rapid and profound changes on the international
- [Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul Rail Returns as Pakistan Stakes Its Eurasian Claim](https://slguardian.org/islamabad-tehran-istanbul-rail-returns-as-pakistan-stakes-its-eurasian-claim/) - Pakistan’s decision to restart the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) freight train on 31 December 2025 is not merely the reactivation of an old transport link,it is a landmark development that embodies a new era of regional strategy. The move reflects a self-assured Pakistan, fully aware of its strategic centrality between South Asia, the Middle East, Central Asia,
- [Bangladesh Crisis Deepens as Grameen Network Hit by Extremist-Funding Claims](https://slguardian.org/bangladesh-crisis-deepens-as-grameen-network-hit-by-extremist-funding-claims/) - Bangladesh’s political landscape—already destabilised by the events following the political upheaval of August 2024 and the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina—has now been thrust into further controversy after an investigative report by The Wall Street Journal raised troubling questions. According to the report, individuals internationally identified as financiers associated with extremist organisations may
- [Travel, Memory and Magnets: A Unique Sri Lankan Story Told Through Souvenirs](https://slguardian.org/travel-memory-and-magnets-a-unique-sri-lankan-story-told-through-souvenirs/) - An evening filled with memory, meaning, and cultural celebration marked the unveiling of Around the World in Magnets – Sri Lanka, a unique travelogue authored by two Indians, Dr Anthony Vipin Das and Vidushi Duggal, at the Sri Lankan High Commission in New Delhi. The launch featured a thought-provoking discussion moderated by Sanjoy Roy, followed
- [HSBC Names Brendan Nelson Permanent Chairman After Surprise Turnaround](https://slguardian.org/hsbc-names-brendan-nelson-permanent-chairman-after-surprise-turnaround/) - HSBC Holdings has appointed interim chairman Brendan Nelson to the role on a permanent basis, marking an unexpected conclusion to the bank’s seven-month search for a successor to former chair Mark Tucker. The decision, disclosed in a filing with the Hong Kong stock exchange, came just a day after CEO Georges Elhedery publicly stated that
- [Pilots Hide Mental Health Struggles Amid Fears of Grounding](https://slguardian.org/pilots-hide-mental-health-struggles-amid-fears-of-grounding/) - A growing number of commercial airline pilots are avoiding mental health treatment out of fear that acknowledging even minor or treatable conditions could lead to grounding and jeopardize their careers, according to extensive reporting by Reuters. The news agency spoke with dozens of pilots, medical experts and aviation officials who described a culture in which
- [Kremlin Says Putin Accepts Parts of U.S. Peace Plan, Rejects Others](https://slguardian.org/kremlin-says-putin-accepts-parts-of-u-s-peace-plan-rejects-others/) - Russia said President Vladimir Putin has accepted some elements of recent U.S. proposals aimed at ending the war in Ukraine while rejecting others, according to reporting from Reuters. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday that Moscow remains prepared to meet U.S. negotiators “as many times as it took” to reach a workable agreement, following
- [Global Memory Chip Shortage Triggers Scramble Across Tech Industry](https://slguardian.org/global-memory-chip-shortage-triggers-scramble-across-tech-industry/) - A severe worldwide shortage of memory chips is forcing artificial intelligence developers, cloud providers and consumer-electronics manufacturers into fierce competition for rapidly shrinking supplies, according to a detailed investigation by Reuters. The crunch has sent prices soaring for everything from basic storage components to advanced high-bandwidth memory (HBM), raising alarms across industries that depend on
- [AI Giants Falling Short of Global Safety Standards](https://slguardian.org/ai-giants-falling-short-of-global-safety-standards/) - Major artificial intelligence developers, including Anthropic, OpenAI, xAI and Meta, are failing to meet emerging global standards for AI safety, according to a new assessment published by the Future of Life Institute and reported by Reuters. The updated AI safety index, released Wednesday, found that while companies continue to push aggressively toward superintelligent systems, none
- [Kenyan Parliamentary Inquiry Accuses British Troops of Sexual Misconduct](https://slguardian.org/kenyan-parliamentary-inquiry-accuses-british-troops-of-sexual-misconduct/) - A Kenyan parliamentary inquiry has accused British soldiers stationed in the country of engaging in widespread sexual misconduct and causing environmental damage, warning that the behaviour of the forces has led to perceptions of the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) as an “occupying presence” rather than a partner. The report, published Tuesday on the
- [Trump Declares Biden’s Autopen-Signed Documents “Null and Void”](https://slguardian.org/trump-declares-bidens-autopen-signed-documents-null-and-void/) - Former President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that all documents signed using an autopen during Joe Biden’s presidency, including pardons, executive orders, memorandums, and contracts, are “null, void, and of no further force or effect.” Trump specified that the declaration covers all legal documents, including pardons granted to Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, and allies
- [India Drops Order Requiring Mandatory Cybersecurity App on New Smartphones](https://slguardian.org/india-drops-order-requiring-mandatory-cybersecurity-app-on-new-smartphones/) - India’s government on Wednesday withdrew a directive that would have required all smartphone makers to preinstall a state-run cybersecurity app on new devices, following widespread criticism from opposition leaders, privacy advocates and major global tech companies. The Ministry of Communications announced the reversal in a press statement, saying the government had “decided not to make
- [China jails former top anti-graft inspector for taking $14 million in bribes](https://slguardian.org/china-jails-former-top-anti-graft-inspector-for-taking-14-million-in-bribes/) - China has sentenced Li Gang, a former senior anti-corruption inspector, to 15 years in prison for accepting more than 102 million yuan ($14.44 million) in bribes, state broadcaster CCTV reported on Wednesday. Li, who once led the discipline inspection and supervision team within the Chinese Communist Party’s powerful organization department, was also ordered to pay
- [China’s gasoline-car exports surge as domestic EV boom squeezes legacy automakers](https://slguardian.org/chinas-gasoline-car-exports-surge-as-domestic-ev-boom-squeezes-legacy-automakers/) - China’s rapid electric-vehicle revolution has upended its domestic auto market, and a Reuters investigation shows the fallout is now reshaping global car sales. As Chinese EV makers captured half of the country’s market in just a few years, demand for gasoline-powered cars collapsed — pushing many legacy Chinese automakers to offload millions of unwanted fossil-fuel
- [TikTok to Invest $37.7 Billion in First Latin America Data Center](https://slguardian.org/tiktok-to-invest-37-7-billion-in-first-latin-america-data-center/) - TikTok parent company ByteDance Ltd. will invest more than 200 billion reais ($37.7 billion) to build a large-scale data center in Brazil, marking the company’s first infrastructure project in Latin America. The investment was announced Wednesday by Monica Guise, head of public policy at TikTok Brazil, during an event in the northeastern state of Ceará
- [EU Floats Loan Options to Refill Ukraine Budget as Belgium Rejects Russian Assets Plan](https://slguardian.org/eu-floats-loan-options-to-refill-ukraine-budget-as-belgium-rejects-russian-assets-plan/) - The European Union unveiled two legislative proposals aimed at replenishing Ukraine’s war-drained budget, suggesting a loan backed either by frozen Russian assets or by the EU’s own budget — a move reported earlier by Bloomberg as part of the bloc’s increasingly urgent efforts to deliver financial support to Kyiv. The proposals were announced only hours
- [Binance Names Co-Founder Yi He as Co-CEO in Leadership Reshuffle](https://slguardian.org/binance-names-co-founder-yi-he-as-co-ceo-in-leadership-reshuffle/) - Binance Holdings Ltd. has appointed its co-founder Yi He as co-chief executive officer alongside Richard Teng, the company announced Wednesday in a post on X. The move marks a significant leadership shift at the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange as it faces heightened global regulatory scrutiny and works to stabilize its governance structure. In its announcement,
- [Michael Dell Donates $6.25 Billion to Fund ‘Trump Accounts’ for Millions of U.S. Children](https://slguardian.org/michael-dell-donates-6-25-billion-to-fund-trump-accounts-for-millions-of-u-s-children/) - Michael Dell, the founder of Dell Technologies Inc., and his wife, Susan, will donate $6.25 billion to help fund so-called “Trump accounts,” an initiative created earlier this year under legislation backed by President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers. The contribution, reported by Bloomberg, represents one of the largest philanthropic gifts in U.S. history and signals
- [Capital Group Partners with KKR to Expand Private Market Offerings](https://slguardian.org/capital-group-partners-with-kkr-to-expand-private-market-offerings/) - Capital Group, the world’s largest active-only money manager, is stepping into a more high-profile phase, launching a strategic push to expand its private-market offerings and attract retail investors, Bloomberg reports. The $3.3 trillion firm, long known for its low-profile approach and American Funds lineup, is partnering with buyout giant KKR & Co. to offer new
- [Germany Faces Rising Calls to Ban Private Fireworks on New Year’s Eve](https://slguardian.org/germany-faces-rising-calls-to-ban-private-fireworks-on-new-years-eve/) - Each New Year’s Eve, German city streets erupt into chaotic displays as the national ban on private fireworks is lifted for a single night. The celebrations often result in injuries, property damage, and fires, with police officers and paramedics sometimes targeted, and misfiring explosives causing severe harm to bystanders. Attics catch fire, hands and fingers
- [No Conspiracy Behind Easter Sunday Attacks, LTTE Revival Impossible: Narayan Swamy](https://slguardian.org/no-conspiracy-behind-easter-sunday-attacks-ltte-revival-impossible-narayan-swamy/) - by Our Defence Affairs Editor New Delhi — In a candid discussion on Sri Lanka’s militant history and recent security challenges, acclaimed author M. R. Narayan Swamy, best known for his biography of LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran, categorically dismissed the possibility of the LTTE’s resurgence and refuted conspiracy theories surrounding the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.
- [Post-Ditwah Sri Lanka: Can the President and Government Escape Criminal Liability?](https://slguardian.org/post-ditwah-sri-lanka-can-the-president-and-government-escape-criminal-liability/) - by Luxman Aravind As of late morning on 3 December 2025, four hundred and seventy-four people are confirmed dead and a further three hundred and fifty-six remain unaccounted for. That number is expected to rise as officials reach devastated areas still cut off by landslides and catastrophic terrain collapse. These are not abstract figures; they
- [Let Comedians Say Anything: Why Comedy Is Society's Last Honest Mirror](https://slguardian.org/let-comedians-say-anything-why-comedy-is-societys-last-honest-mirror/) - Summary: Comedy thrives on irreverence, vulnerability, and the refusal to accept a society's official story at face value. As political and cultural pressures narrow the bounds of acceptable speech, comedians occupy a uniquely vital role: they can reveal what is broken, name what is forbidden, and expose truths that polite discourse cannot touch. Martina Moneke argues
- [Why America Is Removing Thousands of Dams and Letting Rivers Run Free](https://slguardian.org/why-america-is-removing-thousands-of-dams-and-letting-rivers-run-free/) - With more than 550,000 dams in the United States, free-flowing rivers are an endangered species. We’ve dammed, diked, and diverted almost every major river in the country, straightening curves, pinching off floodplains, and blocking passage for fish and other aquatic animals. But this has come at a great cost. Freshwater biodiversity—all the organisms that hail from our
- [Hacking Scheme Targets 120,000 Home Cameras in South Korea for Sexual Footage](https://slguardian.org/hacking-scheme-targets-120000-home-cameras-in-south-korea-for-sexual-footage/) - South Korean police have charged four individuals in connection with a large-scale hacking operation that targeted tens of thousands of private surveillance cameras in homes and businesses, stealing sexually exploitative footage. Authorities said the suspects accessed approximately 120,000 internet-connected cameras, manipulating and selling hundreds of videos to an overseas-based website. The Korean National Police Agency
- [OpenAI Declares ‘Code Red’ as Sam Altman Prioritizes Rapid ChatGPT Overhaul](https://slguardian.org/openai-declares-code-red-as-sam-altman-prioritizes-rapid-chatgpt-overhaul/) - OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman has ordered an urgent company-wide shift to accelerate improvements to ChatGPT, putting a temporary halt on several other high-profile initiatives as competition in the artificial intelligence sector intensifies. According to reporting from the Information, Altman described the situation as a “code red,” telling employees in an internal memo that
- [Trump Administration Poised to Dramatically Expand US Travel Ban to About 30 Countries](https://slguardian.org/trump-administration-poised-to-dramatically-expand-us-travel-ban-to-about-30-countries/) - The Trump administration is preparing to significantly widen its travel ban to include roughly 30 additional countries, according to reporting from Bloomberg. The expansion marks one of the most far-reaching efforts yet by President Donald Trump to curtail migration to the United States after last week’s deadly shooting of two National Guard members in Washington.
- [UN Warns Global Growth Will Stay Subdued Through 2026](https://slguardian.org/un-warns-global-growth-will-stay-subdued-through-2026/) - Global economic growth is set to remain sluggish over the next two years as trade tensions, geopolitical uncertainty and limited investment—outside of artificial intelligence—continue to weigh on the world economy, according to a new report released Tuesday by the UN Conference on Trade and Development. The Geneva-based agency projects that global output will slow to
- [World’s Largest Hedge Funds Using Haircuts to Build Heavy Bond-Market Leverage](https://slguardian.org/worlds-largest-hedge-funds-using-haircuts-to-build-heavy-bond-market-leverage/) - The world’s biggest hedge funds are obtaining “substantially higher” leverage in bond markets than their smaller competitors, thanks to access to near-zero haircuts on repo transactions provided by major dealers, the Bank for International Settlements said in a report published Tuesday. The BIS findings add to growing regulatory concern about the buildup of risk in
- [Saudi Arabia to Maintain High Spending and Borrowing Despite Lower Oil Prices](https://slguardian.org/saudi-arabia-to-maintain-high-spending-and-borrowing-despite-lower-oil-prices/) - Saudi Arabia plans to sustain elevated government spending and active borrowing over the coming years as it presses ahead with its economic diversification agenda, even as lower oil prices strain public finances. According to a budget statement released Tuesday, the Ministry of Finance expects expenditures to reach 1.3 trillion riyals ($350 billion) in 2026—slightly below
- [Amazon Races to Release New AI Chip as Competition With Nvidia and Google Intensifies](https://slguardian.org/amazon-races-to-release-new-ai-chip-as-competition-with-nvidia-and-google-intensifies/) - Amazon.com Inc.’s cloud division, Amazon Web Services, has accelerated the release of its newest artificial intelligence chip, Trainium3, renewing the company’s push to compete more directly with hardware from Nvidia Corp. and Alphabet Inc.’s Google. The accelerator was recently deployed in a limited number of data centers and will become available for customers beginning Tuesday,
- [Putin Says Russia Is ‘Ready’ for War With Europe as U.S. Envoys Head to Moscow](https://slguardian.org/putin-says-russia-is-ready-for-war-with-europe-as-u-s-envoys-head-to-moscow/) - Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that Russia is “ready” for a potential war with Europe as the United States prepares to deliver Ukraine’s latest peace proposal in Moscow on Tuesday. The message will be carried by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump, and Steve Witkoff, the White House special envoy, marking a new phase
- [Family of Imran Khan Appeals to King Charles Over Solitary Confinement in Pakistan](https://slguardian.org/family-of-imran-khan-appeals-to-king-charles-over-solitary-confinement-in-pakistan/) - The family of Pakistan’s jailed former prime minister, Imran Khan, has called on King Charles, as head of the Commonwealth, to speak out about Khan’s solitary confinement, raising concerns about his health and human rights. Aleema Khanum, Khan’s sister, highlighted nearly a month of restrictions preventing family and lawyers from visiting him at Adiala jail
- [Macron Faces Backlash Over Proposed Media Certification Scheme in France](https://slguardian.org/macron-faces-backlash-over-proposed-media-certification-scheme-in-france/) - French President Emmanuel Macron has faced criticism over a proposal to introduce a certification scheme for “serious” media outlets, which some observers have described as Orwellian. Macron said the plan was intended to combat the spread of fake news, including personal attacks against his wife, Brigitte Macron, who has been the target of far-right influencers
- [Ofsted Chief Backs Australian-Style Social Media Ban for Children in Britain](https://slguardian.org/ofsted-chief-backs-australian-style-social-media-ban-for-children-in-britain/) - The chief inspector of Ofsted, Sir Martyn Oliver, has expressed support for an Australian-style ban on social media for children under 16 in the United Kingdom, citing its impact on behaviour and learning in schools. His comments come as the education watchdog published its annual report on Tuesday, highlighting rising concerns over school discipline and
- [Polygamy: A Persistent Obstacle to Women’s Equality](https://slguardian.org/polygamy-a-persistent-obstacle-to-womens-equality/) - While the world—particularly in the last few decades—has achieved spectacular growth in scientific advancement, technological practices, and management techniques, it still appears that the basic mindset of some sections of men remains unchanged at an unacceptable level. While there is no dearth of men with progressive views about women and an appreciation of the fact
- [Economic Impacts of the Ditwah Cyclone Disaster in Sri Lanka](https://slguardian.org/economic-impacts-of-the-ditwah-cyclone-disaster-in-sri-lanka/) - December traditionally marks Sri Lanka’s peak tourism season, driven largely by holiday travel from Europe and other regions that observe long Christmas and New Year vacations. Airlines and Sri Lanka–bound flights are typically fully booked during this period, with airfare prices rising sharply due to high demand. This seasonal boom is a vital source of
- [Ominous Silence in Jammu and Kashmir](https://slguardian.org/ominous-silence-in-jammu-and-kashmir/) - On November 7, 2025, two unidentified terrorists were killed as Security Forces (SFs) foiled an infiltration attempt along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Keran Sector of Kupwara District in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). In the intervening night of October 13-14, 2025, SFs killed two terrorists, foiling an infiltration bid along the LoC in
- [Derailing the Lifeline in Pakistan](https://slguardian.org/derailing-the-lifeline-in-pakistan/) - On November 29, 2025, an improvised explosive device (IED) planted on the railway track detonated shortly before a train was expected to arrive in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. "Around one and a half feet of the track was blown up in the blast," a railway official said. On November 24, 2025, the Peshawar-bound
- [CROATIA: Anti-fascist Surge](https://slguardian.org/croatia-anti-fascist-surge/) - Thousands of Croats gathered on November 30, 2025, to join protest marches in Croatia against a surging far right, following a series of incidents that have fuelled both ethnic and political tensions in the European Union country. Demonstrations under the banner "United against fascism" drew crowds in four major cities: the capital Zagreb, Rijeka, Zadar,
- [Sri Lanka’s Hard Reset: A Nation Rebuilding Its Future](https://slguardian.org/sri-lankas-hard-reset-a-nation-rebuilding-its-future/) - Editor’s Editor: The following article is based on the speech delivered by the author as the Chairperson of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce at the Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit 2025. It is important that we pause to acknowledge the grave impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which has brought immense devastation across several parts of
- [Helping Sri Lanka Recover: Donate Responsibly, Donate Safely](https://slguardian.org/cyclonic-storm-ditwah-triggers-red-warning-across-sri-lanka/) - Note from the Editorial Team In the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, Sri Lanka stands at a critical crossroads — one that demands not only compassion from the world but also discipline, clarity and genuine commitment to proper humanitarian practice. The devastation wrought by the cyclone has displaced thousands, destroyed homes, disrupted livelihoods and left families
- [China–Japan Tensions Flare After Disputed Senkaku Maritime Encounter](https://slguardian.org/china-japan-tensions-flare-after-disputed-senkaku-maritime-encounter/) - China and Japan issued starkly different accounts of a tense maritime encounter near the disputed Senkaku Islands on Tuesday, underscoring the depth of longstanding hostilities between the two nations. According to a statement carried by Chinese authorities, China’s Coast Guard asserted that a Japanese fishing vessel had “illegally entered the territorial waters of the Diaoyu
- [Sri Lanka and the Banality of Digital Filth](https://slguardian.org/sri-lanka-and-the-banality-of-digital-filth/) - by Durga Velayudham A moment after President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent address to the nation on the calamity facing the country due to Cyclone Ditwah, a grotesque spectacle unfolded online—one that once again exposes the darker underbelly of contemporary social media culture. A former journalist, presumably now a refugee living in the UK and seemingly
- [X-Press Pearl Fury: London P&I Says Sri Lanka Hijacked Compensation Process](https://slguardian.org/x-press-pearl-fury-london-pi-says-sri-lanka-hijacked-compensation-process/) - The London P&I Club, the insurer acting on behalf of the owners of the sunken MV X-Press Pearl, is escalating its efforts to engage Sri Lankan authorities after the country’s Supreme Court ordered an unprecedented $1 billion compensation payment for environmental and fisheries losses linked to the 2021 shipwreck off Colombo. According to comments provided
- [America’s Rare Earth Blindspot](https://slguardian.org/americas-rare-earth-blindspot/) - Why is America so dependent on Chinese rare earths? This question remains puzzling even in China. Americans have debated their rare-earth vulnerability for more than fifteen years, and yet it is shocking to see almost no progress made across half a generation. To borrow Mr. Trump’s phrasing, “China couldn’t believe its luck.” The earliest warning
- [Trump Commands Venezuela’s Heavens Closed](https://slguardian.org/trump-commands-venezuelas-heavens-closed/) - US President Trump ordered the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela “closed in its entirety” on November 29. Yet the US has as much legal and moral authority to shutter the skies over Venezuela as the Venezuelans have to close the putting greens at Mar-a-Lago. Yes, that’s ridiculous – but not any more so than Washington’s
- [Suez to Gwadar: The New Trade Superhighway](https://slguardian.org/suez-to-gwadar-the-new-trade-superhighway/) - On November 30, 2025, Egypt proposed an ambitious plan to establish a commercial corridor linking the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) with Pakistan’s Gwadar Port. This proposal, articulated by Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty during a meeting with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, signals a profound shift in the region’s geopolitical and economic landscape.
- [Oxford Scholar Quits Amid Claims of Sex Misconduct and Bullying](https://slguardian.org/oxford-scholar-quits-amid-claims-of-sex-misconduct-and-bullying/) - A senior University of Oxford academic has stepped down after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, bullying, and unwanted advances toward female students and junior colleagues. The revelations, first examined in a Bloomberg investigation and later reported by outlets including The Times UK, identified Professor Miles Hewstone, a prominent figure in social psychology and former government
- [India’s Current Account Gap Jumps as Trump’s 50% Tariff Hammers Exports](https://slguardian.org/indias-current-account-gap-jumps-as-trumps-50-tariff-hammers-exports/) - India’s current account deficit widened sharply in the July–September quarter after US President Donald Trump’s 50% tariff on Indian goods weakened export performance. The deficit rose to $12.3 billion, or 1.3% of GDP, according to data released Monday by the Reserve Bank of India. Despite the deterioration, the gap remained narrower than the $15.4 billion
- [NATO Weighs ‘Pre-Emptive’ Action Against Russia After Surge in Hybrid Attacks](https://slguardian.org/nato-weighs-pre-emptive-action-against-russia-after-surge-in-hybrid-attacks/) - NATO is actively considering “pre-emptive” measures against Russia following a series of hybrid attacks across Europe, a senior alliance official has warned, signaling a potential shift toward a more forceful deterrence strategy as the war in Ukraine approaches its fourth year. Italian Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chair of the NATO Military Committee, told the Financial
- [Sanctioned Billionaire Oligarch Sues UK Over Asset Freeze](https://slguardian.org/sanctioned-billionaire-oligarch-sues-uk-over-asset-freeze/) - A sanctioned Russian-Israeli billionaire is suing the British government in a high-stakes international arbitration case, challenging measures imposed on him after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Mikhail Fridman, co-founder of Alfa-Bank and one of Russia’s wealthiest businessmen with an estimated net worth of $15 billion, has filed a claim under investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) rules
- [DeepSeek’s New AI Models Ignite Fresh Fight With Silicon Valley](https://slguardian.org/deepseeks-new-ai-models-ignite-fresh-fight-with-silicon-valley/) - China’s DeepSeek has unveiled two new versions of its fast-evolving artificial-intelligence model, escalating the global contest over advanced reasoning systems. Just weeks after releasing an experimental build dubbed DeepSeek-V3.2-Exp, the Hangzhou-based company has launched its official successor, DeepSeek-V3.2, alongside a higher-powered edition called V3.2-Speciale. DeepSeek-V3.2 is positioned as a full-strength upgrade, with the company asserting
- [Nvidia Pumps $2 Billion Into Synopsys, Fueling Fresh Concerns Over AI-Era Investment Loops](https://slguardian.org/nvidia-pumps-2-billion-into-synopsys-fueling-fresh-concerns-over-ai-era-investment-loops/) - Nvidia has poured $2 billion into Synopsys, taking a major equity stake in one of the world’s most influential chip-design software makers as part of an expanded engineering and design partnership. The tech giant bought the shares at $414.79 apiece, just below Synopsys’ previous closing price of $418.01, the companies said on Monday. The move
- [UK Budget Watchdog Chief Quits After Catastrophic Leak Shakes Reeves’ Fiscal Moment](https://slguardian.org/uk-budget-watchdog-chief-quits-after-catastrophic-leak-shakes-reeves-fiscal-moment/) - The head of the UK’s Office for Budget Responsibility resigned on Monday after the fiscal watchdog accidentally published its full analysis of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ budget moments before she was due to present it to Parliament, a blunder that Bloomberg reported had already rattled markets and disrupted a pivotal political moment. Richard Hughes, chair of
- [How the CIA Engineered the Sino-Indian Rift](https://slguardian.org/how-the-cia-engineered-the-sino-indian-rift/) - From October 20th - November 21st 1962, a little-remembered conflict raged between China and India. The skirmish damaged India’s Non-Aligned Movement affiliation, firmly placing the country in the West’s orbit, while fomenting decades of hostility between the neighbouring countries. Only now are Beijing and New Delhi forging constructive relations, based on shared economic and political interests. A detailed academic investigation, ignored by the mainstream
- [Netanyahu Poised to Name Next Mossad Chief Amid Intensifying Internal Contest](https://slguardian.org/netanyahu-poised-to-name-next-mossad-chief-amid-intensifying-internal-contest/) - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to announce his choice for the next Mossad director in the coming days, as the race to succeed outgoing intelligence chief David Barnea enters its final stretch. A source familiar with the matter said the decision is imminent, with Barnea set to conclude his five-year term and leave office
- [Senior Officer Says UK SAS Afghanistan War Crimes Were Deliberately Downplayed](https://slguardian.org/senior-officer-says-uk-sas-afghanistan-war-crimes-were-deliberately-downplayed/) - A senior military officer has told an independent inquiry that a cover-up of potential war crimes committed by UK special forces in Afghanistan appeared to stem from a “conscious decision” by the director of UK special forces. His testimony, disclosed in summaries of previously closed hearings and reported in part by The Times UK, described
- [Carlsberg Unveils a £300 Crimson Brew Aiming to Redefine Beer](https://slguardian.org/carlsberg-unveils-a-300-crimson-brew-aiming-to-redefine-beer/) - In a bright glass-walled laboratory in Copenhagen, Zoran Gojkovic lifts a glowing red liquid to the light with the reverence of a sommelier handling a rare Burgundy. The drink, called Rubedo, radiates a vivid, almost impossible crimson hue. Around him, beer specialists lean in, astonished. As The Times UK reports, even seasoned experts have never
- [The Jihadi Mastermind Who Slipped MI5 and Rebuilt ISIS From a Cave Empire](https://slguardian.org/the-jihadi-mastermind-who-slipped-mi5-and-rebuilt-isis-from-a-cave-empire/) - It was a rare stroke of luck for Somali and US forces locked in a grinding war against the Islamic State’s most dangerous surviving branch. A captured ISIS fighter, exhausted and bleeding in an interrogation room, finally whispered the location of Abdul Qadir Mumin’s mountain hideout — a cave high in the desolate ranges of
- [India to Develop Long-Range Indigenous Drones Powered by Home-Built Engines](https://slguardian.org/india-to-develop-long-range-indigenous-drones-powered-by-home-built-engines/) - India is preparing to launch a new generation of long-range unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) powered entirely by locally developed engines, signalling a major step in its push for defence self-reliance. According to a report in the Economic Times, the state-owned National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) has entered into a public-private partnership with Solar Defense and Aerospace
- [Guinea-Bissau Military Bans Protests as ECOWAS Delegation Arrives](https://slguardian.org/guinea-bissau-military-bans-protests-as-ecowas-delegation-arrives/) - Guinea-Bissau’s military authorities have imposed an outright ban on protests, strikes and any activity deemed a threat to “peace and stability,” escalating their control just hours before a high-level delegation from West Africa’s ECOWAS bloc arrived in the country, Reuters reported on Monday. The directive, announced late Sunday, marks the latest move by the junta,
- [Landmine Casualties Reach Four-Year High as States Withdraw from Global Ban](https://slguardian.org/landmine-casualties-reach-four-year-high-as-states-withdraw-from-global-ban/) - Global deaths and injuries from landmines and unexploded ordnance surged to their highest level in four years in 2024, driven by escalating conflicts and a wave of withdrawals from the international treaty banning anti-personnel mines, Reuters reported on Monday. According to the Landmine Monitor 2025 report, more than 6,000 casualties were recorded last year —
- [North Korea Celebrates 80th Anniversary of Air Force with Kim Jong Un in Attendance](https://slguardian.org/north-korea-celebrates-80th-anniversary-of-air-force-with-kim-jong-un-in-attendance/) - North Korea marked the 80th founding anniversary of the Korean People’s Army (KPA) Air Force with grand celebrations at Kalma Airport, according to the state-run KCNA. The event highlighted the Air Force’s history of defending the country’s sovereignty and underscored its role as the “first-born service” of the KPA. Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un attended
- [Missiles in the Shadows: North Korea’s Quiet Nuclear Revolution](https://slguardian.org/missiles-in-the-shadows-north-koreas-quiet-nuclear-revolution/) - North Korea has spent the past decade doing what few believed was possible: quietly transforming itself into one of the world’s most heavily armed nuclear states. Despite a struggling economy and crushing sanctions, Pyongyang has poured enormous resources into missile technology – all while simultaneously funding its own nuclear program. How does a country of this size
- [Ancient Catalan Shell Trumpets Reveal a 6,000-Year-Old Communication Network](https://slguardian.org/ancient-catalan-shell-trumpets-reveal-a-6000-year-old-communication-network/) - Archaeologists have revived the ancient voices of Neolithic Catalonia by analysing and playing conch-shell trumpets that were once used across settlements, caves and mining complexes between the late fifth and early fourth millennia BC. Their research reveals a prehistoric society deeply attuned to the power of sound, suggesting that these modest-looking seashells were capable of
- [Sri Lanka’s Man-Made Collapse](https://slguardian.org/when-the-waters-rose-leadership-sank-in-sri-lanka/) - Editorial Sri Lanka continues to suffer from the havoc of a disaster that every credible warning had foretold, yet the government chose to sidestep. President Dissanayake, emerging almost 72 hours after the catastrophe, finally appeared on national television—his address packaged not as leadership but as theatre, as though he were auditioning for the principal role
- [Lavrov Claims Europe Excluded from Ukraine Peace Talks, Defends Russian Arms Exports](https://slguardian.org/lavrov-claims-europe-excluded-from-ukraine-peace-talks-defends-russian-arms-exports/) - Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Sunday that Western Europe has effectively removed itself from the negotiations over the Ukraine crisis, blaming European actions for undermining past peace efforts, Reuters reported. Speaking to Russian journalist Pavel Zerubin, Lavrov argued that Europe long ago “used up its chances” to influence a settlement, citing events dating
- [Asia Manufacturing Slumps Again as Weak Global Demand Weighs on Output](https://slguardian.org/asia-manufacturing-slumps-again-as-weak-global-demand-weighs-on-output/) - Asia’s manufacturing engines lost further steam in November as slow global demand and persistent uncertainty surrounding international trade dragged down factory output across several key economies. According to data reported by Reuters, a broad set of purchasing managers’ indexes (PMIs) released on Monday reflected sharp divergence across the region, with major exporters such as China,
- [Oil Prices Climb as OPEC+ Holds Back Supply and U.S.–Venezuela Tensions Stir Market](https://slguardian.org/oil-prices-climb-as-opec-holds-back-supply-and-u-s-venezuela-tensions-stir-market/) - Oil prices rose sharply on Monday, climbing as much as 1.5 percent, after OPEC+ members reaffirmed their decision to pause production increases in early 2025 and renewed geopolitical tensions involving Venezuela unsettled traders. According to reporting from Reuters, Brent crude’s initial surge later moderated, leaving the benchmark up 0.98 percent at $62.99 a barrel by
- [India Orders Smartphone Makers to Preload Government Cybersecurity App](https://slguardian.org/india-orders-smartphone-makers-to-preload-government-cybersecurity-app/) - India’s telecoms ministry has quietly directed all major smartphone manufacturers to preload a government-run cybersecurity app on every new device sold in the country, a move that is expected to trigger friction with Apple and other global brands. The unpublished order, dated Nov. 28 and seen by Reuters, mandates that companies ensure the Sanchar Saathi
- [Airbus Recalls 6,000 A320 Jets in Swift Software Fix After JetBlue Incident](https://slguardian.org/airbus-recalls-6000-a320-jets-in-swift-software-fix-after-jetblue-incident/) - Airbus fleets began returning to normal operations on Monday after the European planemaker accelerated a global software update affecting roughly half of its A320-family jets. The recall, prompted by a vulnerability to solar flares revealed during a recent JetBlue incident, required dozens of airlines worldwide to implement a snap software retrofit mandated by regulators, Reuters
- [China’s Military Firms See Revenue Drop Amid Corruption Crackdown](https://slguardian.org/chinas-military-firms-see-revenue-drop-amid-corruption-crackdown/) - Revenues at China’s top military firms fell last year as a sweeping anti-corruption drive disrupted arms contracts and procurement, according to a study released Monday by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The decline stands in sharp contrast to global growth in the defense sector, driven by ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza as
- [Cryptocurrencies Tumble as Bitcoin Slides 6%, Ether Drops Over 7%](https://slguardian.org/cryptocurrencies-tumble-as-bitcoin-slides-6-ether-drops-over-7/) - Cryptocurrency prices fell sharply on Monday, with Bitcoin sliding as much as 6% and Ether dropping more than 7%, adding momentum to a selloff that has gripped digital assets for weeks. According to data compiled by Bloomberg, Bitcoin fell below $86,000 in early Asia trading, while Ether dropped to around $2,800. Other tokens followed suit,

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- [Pakistan](https://slguardian.org/category/pakistan/)
- [Syria](https://slguardian.org/category/syria/)
- [Sports](https://slguardian.org/category/sports/)
- [Cricket](https://slguardian.org/category/sports/cricket/)
- [Iran](https://slguardian.org/category/world/iran/)
- [Speeches](https://slguardian.org/category/speeches/)
- [Afghanistan](https://slguardian.org/category/world/afghanistan/)
- [Peru](https://slguardian.org/category/world/peru/)
- [Germany](https://slguardian.org/category/world/germany/)
- [Mongolia](https://slguardian.org/category/world/mongolia/)
- [Nepal](https://slguardian.org/category/world/nepal/)
- [Israel](https://slguardian.org/category/world/israel/)
- [Editor's Choice](https://slguardian.org/category/editorials/editors-choice/)
- [South Korea](https://slguardian.org/category/south-korea/)
- [Sweden](https://slguardian.org/category/sweden/)
- [Sri Lanka Debt Cancellation](https://slguardian.org/category/business/sri-lanka-debt-cancellation/)
- [Sri Lanka @75](https://slguardian.org/category/sri-lanka-75/)
- [Vietnam](https://slguardian.org/category/world/vietnam/)
- [Artificial Intelligence](https://slguardian.org/category/education/artificial-intelligence/) - Insights, news, and analysis on AI developments, technology trends, and their impact on business and society.
- [Taiwan](https://slguardian.org/category/world/china/taiwan/)
- [Portugal](https://slguardian.org/category/world/portugal/)
- [Cambodia](https://slguardian.org/category/world/cambodia/)
- [Japan](https://slguardian.org/category/world/japan/)
- [Maldives](https://slguardian.org/category/world/maldives/)
- [Australia](https://slguardian.org/category/world/australia/)
- [Venezuela](https://slguardian.org/category/venezuela/)
- [Mexico](https://slguardian.org/category/world/mexico/)
- [Philippines](https://slguardian.org/category/world/philippines/)
- [Iraq](https://slguardian.org/category/world/iraq/)
- [Honduras](https://slguardian.org/category/world/honduras/)
- [Somalia](https://slguardian.org/category/world/somalia/)
- [Yemen](https://slguardian.org/category/world/yemen/)
- [Saudi Arabia](https://slguardian.org/category/world/saudi-arabia/)
- [Sudan](https://slguardian.org/category/world/sudan/)
- [Ecuador](https://slguardian.org/category/ecuador/)
- [Kenya](https://slguardian.org/category/world/kenya/)
- [Journalism](https://slguardian.org/category/journalism/)
- [Thailand](https://slguardian.org/category/world/thailand/)
- [Greece](https://slguardian.org/category/world/greece/)
- [Agriculture](https://slguardian.org/category/business/agriculture/)
- [Swaziland](https://slguardian.org/category/swaziland/)
- [Zambia](https://slguardian.org/category/world/zambia/)
- [Tunisia](https://slguardian.org/category/tunisia/)
- [Argentina](https://slguardian.org/category/world/argentina/)
- [Technology](https://slguardian.org/category/education/technology/)
- [Netherlands](https://slguardian.org/category/world/netherlands/)
- [Sierra Leone](https://slguardian.org/category/world/sierra-leone/)
- [Films](https://slguardian.org/category/new-books/films/)
- [El Salvador](https://slguardian.org/category/world/el-salvador/)
- [Arts](https://slguardian.org/category/arts/) - arts
- [World](https://slguardian.org/category/world/) - Breaking international news and expert analysis on global events, politics, and economics affecting Sri Lanka and beyond.
- [Uganda](https://slguardian.org/category/world/uganda/)
- [Uzbekistan](https://slguardian.org/category/world/uzbekistan/)
- [Indonesia](https://slguardian.org/category/world/indonesia/)
- [Guatemala](https://slguardian.org/category/world/guatemala/)
- [Presidential Election 2024](https://slguardian.org/category/politics/lkelections2024/) - Sri Lanka Guardian offers thorough and insightful coverage of the Sri Lankan Presidential Elections, scheduled for September 21, 2024. Our esteemed reporting will provide a comprehensive analysis of the candidates, their platforms, and the evolving dynamics of the campaign. We are committed to delivering accurate and timely updates, expert commentary, and in-depth articles, ensuring a nuanced understanding of the significant issues and implications surrounding this crucial election. Our coverage aims to keep the public well-informed and engaged in the democratic process with the highest standards of journalistic integrity.
- [US Elections 2024](https://slguardian.org/category/united-states/us-elections-2024/)
- [Judiciary](https://slguardian.org/category/judiciary/)
- [Egypt](https://slguardian.org/category/world/egypt/)
- [Malaysia](https://slguardian.org/category/world/malaysia/)
- [Social](https://slguardian.org/category/social/)
- [Sri Lanka](https://slguardian.org/category/sri-lanka/) - Latest news, updates, and expert analysis on politics, economy, and social issues shaping Sri Lanka today.
- [Singapore](https://slguardian.org/category/world/singapore/)
- [Inside Story](https://slguardian.org/category/politics/inside-story/)
- [East-Timor](https://slguardian.org/category/world/east-timor/)
- [Morocco](https://slguardian.org/category/world/morocco/)
- [ParliamentaryElections2024](https://slguardian.org/category/sri-lanka/parliamentaryelections2024/)
- [Geopolitics](https://slguardian.org/category/politics/geopolitics/)
- [Electric vehicles](https://slguardian.org/category/business/electric-vehicles/)
- [North Korea](https://slguardian.org/category/world/north-korea/)
- [Cryptocurrency](https://slguardian.org/category/business/cryptocurrency/)
- [Shipping and Maritime](https://slguardian.org/category/business/shipping-and-maritime/)
- [Space Race](https://slguardian.org/category/business/space-race/)
- [Food Security](https://slguardian.org/category/food-security/)
- [New Zealand](https://slguardian.org/category/world/new-zealand/)
- [Properties](https://slguardian.org/category/business/properties/)
- [Trade Wars](https://slguardian.org/category/business/trade-wars/)
- [Easter Massacre FBI Affidavit](https://slguardian.org/category/defence/easter-massacre-fbi-affidavit/)
- [Italy](https://slguardian.org/category/world/italy/)
- [Czechia](https://slguardian.org/category/world/czechia/)
- [Kazakhstan](https://slguardian.org/category/world/kazakhstan/)
- [Weather](https://slguardian.org/category/weather/)

## Tags

- [Editorials](https://slguardian.org/tag/editorials/)
- [China](https://slguardian.org/tag/china/)
- [Diplomacy](https://slguardian.org/tag/diplomacy/)
- [Columns](https://slguardian.org/tag/columns/)
- [Ukraine](https://slguardian.org/tag/ukraine/)
- [Sri Lanka Guardian Essays](https://slguardian.org/tag/sri-lanka-guardian-essays/)
- [New Books](https://slguardian.org/tag/new-books/)
- [Russia](https://slguardian.org/tag/russia/)
- [History](https://slguardian.org/tag/history/)
- [Defence](https://slguardian.org/tag/defence/)
- [Business](https://slguardian.org/tag/business/)
- [Cuba](https://slguardian.org/tag/cuba/)
- [India](https://slguardian.org/tag/india/)
- [Events](https://slguardian.org/tag/events/)
- [Interviews](https://slguardian.org/tag/interviews/)
- [María Corina Machado](https://slguardian.org/tag/maria-corina-machado/)
- [Venezuela](https://slguardian.org/tag/venezuela/)
- [United Nations](https://slguardian.org/tag/united-nations/)
- [Israel](https://slguardian.org/tag/israel/)
- [Eli Vered Hazan](https://slguardian.org/tag/eli-vered-hazan/)
- [Selvarasa Pathmanathan](https://slguardian.org/tag/selvarasa-pathmanathan/)
- [Zuhair Mohammad Hamdallah Zaid](https://slguardian.org/tag/zuhair-mohammad-hamdallah-zaid/)
- [Sivaraman Ramanathan](https://slguardian.org/tag/sivaraman-ramanathan/)
- [Sri Lanka](https://slguardian.org/tag/sri-lanka/)
- [Human Rights](https://slguardian.org/tag/human-rights/)
- [Nitin A. Gokhale](https://slguardian.org/tag/nitin-a-gokhale/)
- [Education](https://slguardian.org/tag/education/)
- [Politics](https://slguardian.org/tag/politics/)
- [Tisaranee Gunasekara](https://slguardian.org/tag/tisaranee-gunasekara/)
- [Terrorism](https://slguardian.org/tag/terrorism/)
- [Suren Surendiran](https://slguardian.org/tag/suren-surendiran/)
- [Dalai Lama](https://slguardian.org/tag/dalai-lama/)
- [Rajasingham Jayadevan](https://slguardian.org/tag/rajasingham-jayadevan/)
- [Japan](https://slguardian.org/tag/japan/)
- [Espionage](https://slguardian.org/tag/espionage/)
- [Arpita Hazarika](https://slguardian.org/tag/arpita-hazarika/)
- [Bangladesh](https://slguardian.org/tag/bangladesh/)
- [USA](https://slguardian.org/tag/usa/)
- [Sri Lanka Police](https://slguardian.org/tag/sri-lanka-police/)
- [Social](https://slguardian.org/tag/social/)
- [Law and Order](https://slguardian.org/tag/law-and-order/)
- [Literature](https://slguardian.org/tag/literature/)
- [Myanmar](https://slguardian.org/tag/myanmar/)
- [United Kingdom](https://slguardian.org/tag/united-kingdom/)
- [Pakistan](https://slguardian.org/tag/pakistan/)
- [South Asia](https://slguardian.org/tag/south-asia/)
- [Arts](https://slguardian.org/tag/arts/)
- [Narendra Modi](https://slguardian.org/tag/narendra-modi/)
- [Sheikh Hasina](https://slguardian.org/tag/sheikh-hasina/)
- [Maritime](https://slguardian.org/tag/maritime/)
- [Culture](https://slguardian.org/tag/culture/)
- [Corruption](https://slguardian.org/tag/corruption/)
- [Algeria](https://slguardian.org/tag/algeria/)
- [Emmanuel Macron](https://slguardian.org/tag/emmanuel-macron/)
- [Gabriel Boric](https://slguardian.org/tag/gabriel-boric/)
- [Samantha Power](https://slguardian.org/tag/samantha-power/)
- [USAID](https://slguardian.org/tag/usaid/)
- [Asia Cup](https://slguardian.org/tag/asia-cup/)
- [Sports](https://slguardian.org/tag/sports/)
- [Cricket](https://slguardian.org/tag/cricket/)
- [Queen Elizabeth II](https://slguardian.org/tag/queen-elizabeth-ii/)
- [King Charles III](https://slguardian.org/tag/king-charles-iii/)
- [Ansar al-Islam](https://slguardian.org/tag/ansar-al-islam/)
- [Winston Churchill](https://slguardian.org/tag/winston-churchill/)
- [Margaret Thatcher](https://slguardian.org/tag/margaret-thatcher/)
- [Rule of Law](https://slguardian.org/tag/rule-of-law/)
- [Democracy](https://slguardian.org/tag/democracy/)
- [Mikhail Gorbachev](https://slguardian.org/tag/mikhail-gorbachev/)
- [Donald Trump](https://slguardian.org/tag/donald-trump/)
- [Volodymyr Zelensky](https://slguardian.org/tag/volodymyr-zelensky/)
- [Vladimir Putin](https://slguardian.org/tag/vladimir-putin/)
- [Palestinian](https://slguardian.org/tag/palestinian/)
- [European Union](https://slguardian.org/tag/european-union/)
- [Indigenous People](https://slguardian.org/tag/indigenous-people/)
- [CIA](https://slguardian.org/tag/cia/)
- [Tamil Eelam](https://slguardian.org/tag/tamil-eelam/)
- [War On Terror](https://slguardian.org/tag/war-on-terror/)
- [September 11](https://slguardian.org/tag/september-11/)
- [George Orwell](https://slguardian.org/tag/george-orwell/)
- [Julie Chung](https://slguardian.org/tag/julie-chung/)
- [Indonesia](https://slguardian.org/tag/indonesia/)
- [United Sates](https://slguardian.org/tag/united-sates/)
- [Military Diplomacy](https://slguardian.org/tag/military-diplomacy/)
- [Talk to Sri Lanka Guardian](https://slguardian.org/tag/talk-to-sri-lanka-guardian/)
- [South Africa](https://slguardian.org/tag/south-africa/)
- [Sri Lankan Diaspora](https://slguardian.org/tag/sri-lankan-diaspora/)
- [Shanghai Cooperation Organization](https://slguardian.org/tag/shanghai-cooperation-organization/)
- [US Federal Reserve](https://slguardian.org/tag/us-federal-reserve/)
- [Armenian-Azerbaijani Conflict](https://slguardian.org/tag/armenian-azerbaijani-conflict/)
- [Joe Biden](https://slguardian.org/tag/joe-biden/)
- [Photo Essays](https://slguardian.org/tag/photo-essays/)
- [Port of Trincomalee](https://slguardian.org/tag/port-of-trincomalee/)
- [NATO](https://slguardian.org/tag/nato/)
- [Africa](https://slguardian.org/tag/africa/)
- [Latin America](https://slguardian.org/tag/latin-america/)
- [Ariel Henry](https://slguardian.org/tag/ariel-henry/)
- [Fake News](https://slguardian.org/tag/fake-news/)
- [Films](https://slguardian.org/tag/films/)
- [Telugu Cinema](https://slguardian.org/tag/telugu-cinema/)
- [Liz Truss](https://slguardian.org/tag/liz-truss/)
- [Angela Rayner](https://slguardian.org/tag/angela-rayner/)
- [Hindu](https://slguardian.org/tag/hindu/)
- [Islam](https://slguardian.org/tag/islam/)
- [Muslims](https://slguardian.org/tag/muslims/)
- [Asia](https://slguardian.org/tag/asia/)
- [Burma](https://slguardian.org/tag/burma/)
- [Sri Lankan Air](https://slguardian.org/tag/sri-lankan-air/)
- [Twitter](https://slguardian.org/tag/twitter/)
- [Cyber Security](https://slguardian.org/tag/cyber-security/)
- [Gotabaya Rajapaksa](https://slguardian.org/tag/gotabaya-rajapaksa/)
- [Turkey](https://slguardian.org/tag/turkey/)
- [Recep Erdogan](https://slguardian.org/tag/recep-erdogan/)
- [Colombia](https://slguardian.org/tag/colombia/)
- [Gustavo Petro](https://slguardian.org/tag/gustavo-petro/)
- [Justice](https://slguardian.org/tag/justice/)
- [Canada](https://slguardian.org/tag/canada/)
- [Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization](https://slguardian.org/tag/assembly-of-the-international-civil-aviation-organization/)
- [UAVs](https://slguardian.org/tag/uavs/)
- [Inflation Reduction Act](https://slguardian.org/tag/inflation-reduction-act/)
- [Iran](https://slguardian.org/tag/iran/)
- [Uzbekistan](https://slguardian.org/tag/uzbekistan/)
- [Brazil](https://slguardian.org/tag/brazil/)
- [Burkina Faso](https://slguardian.org/tag/burkina-faso/)
- [Xi Jinping](https://slguardian.org/tag/xi-jinping/)
- [Mossad](https://slguardian.org/tag/mossad/)
- [R&AW](https://slguardian.org/tag/raw/)
- [France](https://slguardian.org/tag/france/)
- [Niger](https://slguardian.org/tag/niger/)
- [Mali](https://slguardian.org/tag/mali/)
- [Morocco](https://slguardian.org/tag/morocco/)
- [National Security](https://slguardian.org/tag/national-security/)
- [Malaysia](https://slguardian.org/tag/malaysia/)
- [Journalism](https://slguardian.org/tag/journalism/)
- [Boris Johnson](https://slguardian.org/tag/boris-johnson/)
- [Rishi Sunak](https://slguardian.org/tag/rishi-sunak/)
- [United States](https://slguardian.org/tag/united-states/)
- [Nnimmo Bassey](https://slguardian.org/tag/nnimmo-bassey/)
- [Nigeria](https://slguardian.org/tag/nigeria/)
- [Tamil Eealam](https://slguardian.org/tag/tamil-eealam/)
- [World War III](https://slguardian.org/tag/world-war-iii/)
- [Ranil Wickremesinghe](https://slguardian.org/tag/ranil-wickremesinghe/)
- [Guinea](https://slguardian.org/tag/guinea/)
- [Syria](https://slguardian.org/tag/syria/)
- [Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva](https://slguardian.org/tag/luiz-inacio-lula-da-silva/)
- [Rajpal Abeynayake](https://slguardian.org/tag/rajpal-abeynayake/)
- [Shehan Karunatillaka](https://slguardian.org/tag/shehan-karunatillaka/)
- [Inside Story](https://slguardian.org/tag/inside-story/)
- [Rameez. A. Rameez](https://slguardian.org/tag/rameez-a-rameez/)
- [South Eastern University of Sri Lanka](https://slguardian.org/tag/south-eastern-university-of-sri-lanka/)
- [Booker Prize Foundation](https://slguardian.org/tag/booker-prize-foundation/)
- [Food Security](https://slguardian.org/tag/food-security/)
- [Benjamin Netanyahu](https://slguardian.org/tag/benjamin-netanyahu/)
- [Ali Sabry](https://slguardian.org/tag/ali-sabry/)
- [Saudi Arabia](https://slguardian.org/tag/saudi-arabia/)
- [Colombo Port](https://slguardian.org/tag/colombo-port/)
- [Patali Champika Ranawaka](https://slguardian.org/tag/patali-champika-ranawaka/)
- [Dhruva Jaishankar](https://slguardian.org/tag/dhruva-jaishankar/)
- [Western Sahara](https://slguardian.org/tag/western-sahara/)
- [Budget 2023](https://slguardian.org/tag/budget-2023/)
- [Republic of the Congo](https://slguardian.org/tag/republic-of-the-congo/)
- [Pearl Lee](https://slguardian.org/tag/pearl-lee/)
- [Mahathir bin Mohamad](https://slguardian.org/tag/mahathir-bin-mohamad/)
- [Speeches](https://slguardian.org/tag/speeches/)
- [Jan Hoffmann](https://slguardian.org/tag/jan-hoffmann/)
- [Port of Colombo](https://slguardian.org/tag/port-of-colombo/)
- [Covid-19](https://slguardian.org/tag/covid-19/)
- [Anil Jasinghe](https://slguardian.org/tag/anil-jasinghe/)
- [Health](https://slguardian.org/tag/health/)
- [Pedro Castillo Terrones](https://slguardian.org/tag/pedro-castillo-terrones/)
- [Sri Lanka Navy](https://slguardian.org/tag/sri-lanka-navy/)
- [United Nations Conference on Trade and Development](https://slguardian.org/tag/united-nations-conference-on-trade-and-development/)
- [Reichsbuerger Movement](https://slguardian.org/tag/reichsbuerger-movement/)
- [Nepal](https://slguardian.org/tag/nepal/)
- [Hames Monroe](https://slguardian.org/tag/hames-monroe/)
- [Nilantha Ilangamuwa](https://slguardian.org/tag/nilantha-ilangamuwa/)
- [Islamic State](https://slguardian.org/tag/islamic-state/)
- [Germany](https://slguardian.org/tag/germany/)
- [Dmitry Medvedev](https://slguardian.org/tag/dmitry-medvedev/)
- [Christianity](https://slguardian.org/tag/christianity/)
- [Nilantha Jayawardena](https://slguardian.org/tag/nilantha-jayawardena/)
- [Tamil Nadu](https://slguardian.org/tag/tamil-nadu/)
- [Buddhism](https://slguardian.org/tag/buddhism/)
- [Sweden](https://slguardian.org/tag/sweden/)
- [Prince Harry](https://slguardian.org/tag/prince-harry/)
- [Global Tamil Forum](https://slguardian.org/tag/global-tamil-forum/)
- [Wasantha Mudalige](https://slguardian.org/tag/wasantha-mudalige/)
- [Technology](https://slguardian.org/tag/technology/)
- [Thailand](https://slguardian.org/tag/thailand/)
- [Vietnam](https://slguardian.org/tag/vietnam/)
- [Bioterrorism](https://slguardian.org/tag/bioterrorism/)
- [Afghanistan](https://slguardian.org/tag/afghanistan/)
- [Artificial Intelligence](https://slguardian.org/tag/artificial-intelligence/)
- [Anura Kumara Dissanayaka](https://slguardian.org/tag/anura-kumara-dissanayaka/)
- [Open Letters](https://slguardian.org/tag/open-letters/)
- [Selvin Sallay](https://slguardian.org/tag/selvin-sallay/)
- [Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam](https://slguardian.org/tag/liberation-tigers-of-tamil-eelam/)
- [Dayan Jayatilleka](https://slguardian.org/tag/dayan-jayatilleka/)
- [Portugal](https://slguardian.org/tag/portugal/)
- [Victoria Nuland](https://slguardian.org/tag/victoria-nuland/)
- [Subrahmanyam Jaishankar](https://slguardian.org/tag/subrahmanyam-jaishankar/)
- [International Monetary Fund](https://slguardian.org/tag/international-monetary-fund/)
- [Anver Hamdani](https://slguardian.org/tag/anver-hamdani/)
- [African Union](https://slguardian.org/tag/african-union/)
- [Cambodia](https://slguardian.org/tag/cambodia/)
- [Sagala Ratnayaka](https://slguardian.org/tag/sagala-ratnayaka/)
- [Maldives](https://slguardian.org/tag/maldives/)
- [General Shavendra Silva](https://slguardian.org/tag/general-shavendra-silva/)
- [Khalistan](https://slguardian.org/tag/khalistan/)
- [Aviation](https://slguardian.org/tag/aviation/)
- [Hugo Chávez Frías](https://slguardian.org/tag/hugo-chavez-frias/)
- [Google](https://slguardian.org/tag/google/)
- [Tunisia](https://slguardian.org/tag/tunisia/)
- [Yemen](https://slguardian.org/tag/yemen/)
- [Peru](https://slguardian.org/tag/peru/)
- [Iraq](https://slguardian.org/tag/iraq/)
- [Rahul Gandhi](https://slguardian.org/tag/rahul-gandhi/)
- [TikTok](https://slguardian.org/tag/tiktok/)
- [Shou Zi Chew](https://slguardian.org/tag/shou-zi-chew/)
- [North America/United States of America](https://slguardian.org/tag/north-america-united-states-of-america/)
- [Europe/Ukraine](https://slguardian.org/tag/europe-ukraine/)
- [Europe/Russia](https://slguardian.org/tag/europe-russia/)
- [Time-Sensitive](https://slguardian.org/tag/time-sensitive/)
- [War](https://slguardian.org/tag/war/)
- [Sourabh Gupta](https://slguardian.org/tag/sourabh-gupta/)
- [Bolivia](https://slguardian.org/tag/bolivia/)
- [Luis Arce](https://slguardian.org/tag/luis-arce/)
- [Mexico](https://slguardian.org/tag/mexico/)
- [Saiokuken Sōchō](https://slguardian.org/tag/saiokuken-socho/)
- [World Autism Awareness Day](https://slguardian.org/tag/world-autism-awareness-day/)
- [Central Intelligence Agency](https://slguardian.org/tag/central-intelligence-agency/)
- [Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones](https://slguardian.org/tag/rhodri-jeffreys-jones/)
- [Investments](https://slguardian.org/tag/investments/)
- [Ceylon Chamber of Commerce](https://slguardian.org/tag/ceylon-chamber-of-commerce/)
- [Levan S. Dzhagaryan](https://slguardian.org/tag/levan-s-dzhagaryan/)
- [Dina Boluarte](https://slguardian.org/tag/dina-boluarte/)
- [Chile](https://slguardian.org/tag/chile/)
- [United Arab Emirates](https://slguardian.org/tag/united-arab-emirates/)
- [Capitalism](https://slguardian.org/tag/capitalism/)
- [Climate Change](https://slguardian.org/tag/climate-change/)
- [Dilma Rousseff](https://slguardian.org/tag/dilma-rousseff/)
- [Human Evolution](https://slguardian.org/tag/human-evolution/)
- [B. R. Ambedkar](https://slguardian.org/tag/b-r-ambedkar/)
- [International Committee of the Red Cross](https://slguardian.org/tag/international-committee-of-the-red-cross/)
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- [Debt Crisis](https://slguardian.org/tag/debt-crisis/)
- [Economic Reform](https://slguardian.org/tag/economic-reform/)
- [IMF Assistance](https://slguardian.org/tag/imf-assistance/)
- [Sustainable Development](https://slguardian.org/tag/sustainable-development/)
- [Economic Mismanagement](https://slguardian.org/tag/economic-mismanagement/)
- [Education and Healthcare](https://slguardian.org/tag/education-and-healthcare/)
- [Macro-Fiscal Policy](https://slguardian.org/tag/macro-fiscal-policy/)
- [Government Accountability](https://slguardian.org/tag/government-accountability/)
- [Sri Lankan History](https://slguardian.org/tag/sri-lankan-history/)
- [Socio-Political Impact](https://slguardian.org/tag/socio-political-impact/)
- [Economic Stability and Growth](https://slguardian.org/tag/economic-stability-and-growth/)
- [Delayed Reforms](https://slguardian.org/tag/delayed-reforms/)
- [IMF Agreements](https://slguardian.org/tag/imf-agreements/)
- [Economic Policy](https://slguardian.org/tag/economic-policy/)
- [Policy Disaster](https://slguardian.org/tag/policy-disaster/)
- [South East Asia](https://slguardian.org/tag/south-east-asia/)
- [Thailand Economic Reforms](https://slguardian.org/tag/thailand-economic-reforms/)
- [Sri Lanka Economic Challenges](https://slguardian.org/tag/sri-lanka-economic-challenges/)
- [Governance Issues](https://slguardian.org/tag/governance-issues/)
- [India Economic Reforms](https://slguardian.org/tag/india-economic-reforms/)
- [Jamaica Fiscal Reforms](https://slguardian.org/tag/jamaica-fiscal-reforms/)
- [Corruption Vulnerabilities](https://slguardian.org/tag/corruption-vulnerabilities/)
- [Anti-Corruption Act](https://slguardian.org/tag/anti-corruption-act/)
- [Macroeconomic Stability](https://slguardian.org/tag/macroeconomic-stability/)
- [Fiscal Governance](https://slguardian.org/tag/fiscal-governance/)
- [Asset Recovery](https://slguardian.org/tag/asset-recovery/)
- [Economic Development](https://slguardian.org/tag/economic-development/)
- [Public Sector Reform](https://slguardian.org/tag/public-sector-reform/)
- [Transparency and Accountability](https://slguardian.org/tag/transparency-and-accountability/)
- [Global Integration](https://slguardian.org/tag/global-integration/)
- [Student-led Revolution](https://slguardian.org/tag/student-led-revolution/)
- [Bangladesh Regime Change](https://slguardian.org/tag/bangladesh-regime-change/)
- [Dhaka Coup](https://slguardian.org/tag/dhaka-coup/)
- [Economic Crisis Bangladesh](https://slguardian.org/tag/economic-crisis-bangladesh/)
- [Anti-India Sentiment](https://slguardian.org/tag/anti-india-sentiment/)
- [Caretaker Administration](https://slguardian.org/tag/caretaker-administration/)
- [India-Bangladesh Relations](https://slguardian.org/tag/india-bangladesh-relations/)
- [Geo-Political Challenges](https://slguardian.org/tag/geo-political-challenges/)
- [Islamist Threats](https://slguardian.org/tag/islamist-threats/)
- [Mohammad Yunus](https://slguardian.org/tag/mohammad-yunus/)
- [Strategic Interests](https://slguardian.org/tag/strategic-interests/)
- [Defence Relations](https://slguardian.org/tag/defence-relations/)
- [Chinese Influence](https://slguardian.org/tag/chinese-influence/)
- [Student Leaders](https://slguardian.org/tag/student-leaders/)
- [Political Unrest](https://slguardian.org/tag/political-unrest/)
- [Constitutional Reforms](https://slguardian.org/tag/constitutional-reforms/)
- [Regional Stability](https://slguardian.org/tag/regional-stability/)
- [Blinken Tour](https://slguardian.org/tag/blinken-tour/)
- [US Diplomacy](https://slguardian.org/tag/us-diplomacy/)
- [Gaza Conflict](https://slguardian.org/tag/gaza-conflict/)
- [Ceasefire Negotiations](https://slguardian.org/tag/ceasefire-negotiations/)
- [Israel Hamas](https://slguardian.org/tag/israel-hamas/)
- [Middle East Politics](https://slguardian.org/tag/middle-east-politics/)
- [US Foreign Policy](https://slguardian.org/tag/us-foreign-policy/)
- [Israel Defense](https://slguardian.org/tag/israel-defense/)
- [Kyiv](https://slguardian.org/tag/kyiv/)
- [international relations](https://slguardian.org/tag/international-relations/)
- [peace talks](https://slguardian.org/tag/peace-talks/)
- [Volodymyr Zelenskyy](https://slguardian.org/tag/volodymyr-zelenskyy/)
- [Rail Force One](https://slguardian.org/tag/rail-force-one/)
- [bilateral cooperation](https://slguardian.org/tag/bilateral-cooperation/)
- [Moscow](https://slguardian.org/tag/moscow/)
- [Central Europe](https://slguardian.org/tag/central-europe/)
- [economic transformation](https://slguardian.org/tag/economic-transformation/)
- [swearing-in ceremony](https://slguardian.org/tag/swearing-in-ceremony/)
- [national goals](https://slguardian.org/tag/national-goals/)
- [government collaboration](https://slguardian.org/tag/government-collaboration/)
- [Cabinet appointments](https://slguardian.org/tag/cabinet-appointments/)
- [Paul Kagame](https://slguardian.org/tag/paul-kagame/)
- [Kigali](https://slguardian.org/tag/kigali/)
- [legislative elections](https://slguardian.org/tag/legislative-elections/)
- [Rwanda politics](https://slguardian.org/tag/rwanda-politics/)
- [ministerial appointments](https://slguardian.org/tag/ministerial-appointments/)
- [USS O'Kane](https://slguardian.org/tag/uss-okane/)
- [American warships](https://slguardian.org/tag/american-warships/)
- [USS Spruance](https://slguardian.org/tag/uss-spruance/)
- [military-industrial complex](https://slguardian.org/tag/military-industrial-complex/)
- [geopolitical irony](https://slguardian.org/tag/geopolitical-irony/)
- [hypocrisy](https://slguardian.org/tag/hypocrisy/)
- [realpolitik](https://slguardian.org/tag/realpolitik/)
- [selective outrage](https://slguardian.org/tag/selective-outrage/)
- [Uncle Sam](https://slguardian.org/tag/uncle-sam/)
- [1969 Fire](https://slguardian.org/tag/1969-fire/)
- [Palestinian Struggle](https://slguardian.org/tag/palestinian-struggle/)
- [Al-Aqsa Mosque](https://slguardian.org/tag/al-aqsa-mosque/)
- [Zionist Occupation](https://slguardian.org/tag/zionist-occupation/)
- [Historical Impact](https://slguardian.org/tag/historical-impact/)
- [Jerusalem](https://slguardian.org/tag/jerusalem/)
- [Islamic Heritage](https://slguardian.org/tag/islamic-heritage/)
- [Middle East Conflict](https://slguardian.org/tag/middle-east-conflict/)
- [International Qods Day](https://slguardian.org/tag/international-qods-day/)
- [Muslim Unity](https://slguardian.org/tag/muslim-unity/)
- [Indian Army](https://slguardian.org/tag/indian-army/)
- [mental health](https://slguardian.org/tag/mental-health/)
- [military suicides](https://slguardian.org/tag/military-suicides/)
- [fratricide](https://slguardian.org/tag/fratricide/)
- [non-combat deaths](https://slguardian.org/tag/non-combat-deaths/)
- [defense personnel](https://slguardian.org/tag/defense-personnel/)
- [armed forces stress](https://slguardian.org/tag/armed-forces-stress/)
- [psychological resilience](https://slguardian.org/tag/psychological-resilience/)
- [military well-being](https://slguardian.org/tag/military-well-being/)
- [Indian Defense Ministry](https://slguardian.org/tag/indian-defense-ministry/)
- [soldier suicides](https://slguardian.org/tag/soldier-suicides/)
- [military morale](https://slguardian.org/tag/military-morale/)
- [service member mental health](https://slguardian.org/tag/service-member-mental-health/)
- [suicide prevention](https://slguardian.org/tag/suicide-prevention/)
- [armed services issues](https://slguardian.org/tag/armed-services-issues/)
- [psychological support](https://slguardian.org/tag/psychological-support/)
- [King Mohammed VI](https://slguardian.org/tag/king-mohammed-vi/)
- [illegal cultivation pardon](https://slguardian.org/tag/illegal-cultivation-pardon/)
- [Anrac](https://slguardian.org/tag/anrac/)
- [legalisation](https://slguardian.org/tag/legalisation/)
- [cannabis reform](https://slguardian.org/tag/cannabis-reform/)
- [cannabis industry](https://slguardian.org/tag/cannabis-industry/)
- [Rif region](https://slguardian.org/tag/rif-region/)
- [medicinal cannabis](https://slguardian.org/tag/medicinal-cannabis/)
- [drug trafficking](https://slguardian.org/tag/drug-trafficking/)
- [European cannabis market](https://slguardian.org/tag/european-cannabis-market/)
- [cannabis licences](https://slguardian.org/tag/cannabis-licences/)
- [Candidate Wealth](https://slguardian.org/tag/candidate-wealth/)
- [Electoral Accountability](https://slguardian.org/tag/electoral-accountability/)
- [Sri Lanka Presidential Election 2024](https://slguardian.org/tag/sri-lanka-presidential-election-2024/)
- [Wijedasa Rajapakshe](https://slguardian.org/tag/wijedasa-rajapakshe/)
- [Election Integrity](https://slguardian.org/tag/election-integrity/)
- [Transparency in Politics](https://slguardian.org/tag/transparency-in-politics/)
- [Financial Profiles of Candidates](https://slguardian.org/tag/financial-profiles-of-candidates/)
- [Asset Declarations](https://slguardian.org/tag/asset-declarations/)
- [Political Transparency](https://slguardian.org/tag/political-transparency/)
- [Laxman Namal Rajapaksa](https://slguardian.org/tag/laxman-namal-rajapaksa/)
- [Presidential Candidates Assets](https://slguardian.org/tag/presidential-candidates-assets/)
- [Sri Lankan Politics](https://slguardian.org/tag/sri-lankan-politics/)
- [G. Sarath C. Fonseka](https://slguardian.org/tag/g-sarath-c-fonseka/)
- [Financial Disclosures](https://slguardian.org/tag/financial-disclosures/)
- [Voter Information](https://slguardian.org/tag/voter-information/)
- [Diplomatic Negotiations](https://slguardian.org/tag/diplomatic-negotiations/)
- [Netanyahu](https://slguardian.org/tag/netanyahu/)
- [Tehran](https://slguardian.org/tag/tehran/)
- [Gaza](https://slguardian.org/tag/gaza/)
- [Israeli Aggression](https://slguardian.org/tag/israeli-aggression/)
- [Western Sanctions](https://slguardian.org/tag/western-sanctions/)
- [Regional Tensions](https://slguardian.org/tag/regional-tensions/)
- [Middle East Diplomacy](https://slguardian.org/tag/middle-east-diplomacy/)
- [Ukraine conflict](https://slguardian.org/tag/ukraine-conflict/)
- [Russian invasion](https://slguardian.org/tag/russian-invasion/)
- [Kursk Offensive](https://slguardian.org/tag/kursk-offensive/)
- [World War II parallels](https://slguardian.org/tag/world-war-ii-parallels/)
- [drone attacks](https://slguardian.org/tag/drone-attacks/)
- [military strategy](https://slguardian.org/tag/military-strategy/)
- [Eastern Ukraine](https://slguardian.org/tag/eastern-ukraine/)
- [Russian conscripts](https://slguardian.org/tag/russian-conscripts/)
- [Ukrainian advance](https://slguardian.org/tag/ukrainian-advance/)
- [geopolitical impact](https://slguardian.org/tag/geopolitical-impact/)
- [Donetsk region](https://slguardian.org/tag/donetsk-region/)
- [global security](https://slguardian.org/tag/global-security/)
- [military stalemate](https://slguardian.org/tag/military-stalemate/)
- [OAS](https://slguardian.org/tag/oas/)
- [Venezuela elections](https://slguardian.org/tag/venezuela-elections/)
- [Latin American politics](https://slguardian.org/tag/latin-american-politics/)
- [Hugo Chávez](https://slguardian.org/tag/hugo-chavez/)
- [US intervention](https://slguardian.org/tag/us-intervention/)
- [AMLO](https://slguardian.org/tag/amlo/)
- [Simón Bolívar](https://slguardian.org/tag/simon-bolivar/)
- [Bolivarianism](https://slguardian.org/tag/bolivarianism/)
- [neofascism](https://slguardian.org/tag/neofascism/)
- [Mexican Constitution](https://slguardian.org/tag/mexican-constitution/)
- [far right opposition](https://slguardian.org/tag/far-right-opposition/)
- [progressive governments](https://slguardian.org/tag/progressive-governments/)
- [pink tide](https://slguardian.org/tag/pink-tide/)
- [US military bases](https://slguardian.org/tag/us-military-bases/)
- [geopolitical sovereignty](https://slguardian.org/tag/geopolitical-sovereignty/)
- [Latin American integration](https://slguardian.org/tag/latin-american-integration/)
- [Debt Crisis Recovery](https://slguardian.org/tag/debt-crisis-recovery/)
- [Sustainable Growth](https://slguardian.org/tag/sustainable-growth/)
- [Sri Lanka Elections 2024](https://slguardian.org/tag/sri-lanka-elections-2024/)
- [Policy Proposals](https://slguardian.org/tag/policy-proposals/)
- [ODI Think Tank](https://slguardian.org/tag/odi-think-tank/)
- [Inclusive Growth](https://slguardian.org/tag/inclusive-growth/)
- [Central Bank Independence](https://slguardian.org/tag/central-bank-independence/)
- [Sri Lanka Economic Strategy](https://slguardian.org/tag/sri-lanka-economic-strategy/)
- [Fiscal Sustainability](https://slguardian.org/tag/fiscal-sustainability/)
- [Cross-Party Consensus](https://slguardian.org/tag/cross-party-consensus/)
- [Trade and Investment Reform](https://slguardian.org/tag/trade-and-investment-reform/)
- [India-Pakistan Relations](https://slguardian.org/tag/india-pakistan-relations/)
- [Regional Dynamics](https://slguardian.org/tag/regional-dynamics/)
- [Pew Research](https://slguardian.org/tag/pew-research/)
- [South Asia Relations](https://slguardian.org/tag/south-asia-relations/)
- [Sri Lanka Views](https://slguardian.org/tag/sri-lanka-views/)
- [Religious Influence](https://slguardian.org/tag/religious-influence/)
- [Bangladesh Politics](https://slguardian.org/tag/bangladesh-politics/)
- [South Asian Diplomacy](https://slguardian.org/tag/south-asian-diplomacy/)
- [Public Opinion Survey](https://slguardian.org/tag/public-opinion-survey/)
- [Neighbouring Countries](https://slguardian.org/tag/neighbouring-countries/)
- [Taliban](https://slguardian.org/tag/taliban/)
- [ISIS-K](https://slguardian.org/tag/isis-k/)
- [TTP](https://slguardian.org/tag/ttp/)
- [Counterterrorism](https://slguardian.org/tag/counterterrorism/)
- [Extremism](https://slguardian.org/tag/extremism/)
- [Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan](https://slguardian.org/tag/tehrik-i-taliban-pakistan/)
- [Dollar Reserves](https://slguardian.org/tag/dollar-reserves/)
- [MMA](https://slguardian.org/tag/mma/)
- [Financial Crisis](https://slguardian.org/tag/financial-crisis/)
- [Finance Ministry](https://slguardian.org/tag/finance-ministry/)
- [Adhadhu](https://slguardian.org/tag/adhadhu/)
- [Sovereign Development Fund](https://slguardian.org/tag/sovereign-development-fund/)
- [Currency Reserves](https://slguardian.org/tag/currency-reserves/)
- [Import Costs](https://slguardian.org/tag/import-costs/)
- [Oil Payment](https://slguardian.org/tag/oil-payment/)
- [Foreign Loans](https://slguardian.org/tag/foreign-loans/)
- [Male](https://slguardian.org/tag/male/)
- [Economic Crisis](https://slguardian.org/tag/economic-crisis/)
- [2024](https://slguardian.org/tag/2024/)
- [Greed](https://slguardian.org/tag/greed/)
- [Wealth](https://slguardian.org/tag/wealth/)
- [Tolstoy](https://slguardian.org/tag/tolstoy/)
- [Economic Inequality](https://slguardian.org/tag/economic-inequality/)
- [Moral Lessons](https://slguardian.org/tag/moral-lessons/)
- [Modern Economics](https://slguardian.org/tag/modern-economics/)
- [Sustainability](https://slguardian.org/tag/sustainability/)
- [Parable](https://slguardian.org/tag/parable/)
- [Environmental Impact](https://slguardian.org/tag/environmental-impact/)
- [Human Nature](https://slguardian.org/tag/human-nature/)
- [Mangala Samaraweera](https://slguardian.org/tag/mangala-samaraweera/)
- [Student Protests](https://slguardian.org/tag/student-protests/)
- [Military Coup](https://slguardian.org/tag/military-coup/)
- [Democratic Renewal](https://slguardian.org/tag/democratic-renewal/)
- [Political Dynasties](https://slguardian.org/tag/political-dynasties/)
- [Nobel Laureate](https://slguardian.org/tag/nobel-laureate/)
- [Economic Impact](https://slguardian.org/tag/economic-impact/)
- [South Asian Politics](https://slguardian.org/tag/south-asian-politics/)
- [Indian Foreign Policy](https://slguardian.org/tag/indian-foreign-policy/)
- [Global Stability](https://slguardian.org/tag/global-stability/)
- [Kamala Harris](https://slguardian.org/tag/kamala-harris/)
- [Kamala Harris Speech](https://slguardian.org/tag/kamala-harris-speech/)
- [Reparations](https://slguardian.org/tag/reparations/)
- [Party Conventions](https://slguardian.org/tag/party-conventions/)
- [Progressive Populism](https://slguardian.org/tag/progressive-populism/)
- [Democratic National Convention 2024](https://slguardian.org/tag/democratic-national-convention-2024/)
- [Medicare-for-All](https://slguardian.org/tag/medicare-for-all/)
- [Opportunity Economy](https://slguardian.org/tag/opportunity-economy/)
- [Voter Appeal](https://slguardian.org/tag/voter-appeal/)
- [Fiscal Responsibility](https://slguardian.org/tag/fiscal-responsibility/)
- [Bernie Sanders](https://slguardian.org/tag/bernie-sanders/)
- [GOP Rhetoric](https://slguardian.org/tag/gop-rhetoric/)
- [Universal Healthcare](https://slguardian.org/tag/universal-healthcare/)
- [Universal Basic Income](https://slguardian.org/tag/universal-basic-income/)
- [Middle-Class Tax Cut](https://slguardian.org/tag/middle-class-tax-cut/)
- [Corporate Language](https://slguardian.org/tag/corporate-language/)
- [Political Centrism](https://slguardian.org/tag/political-centrism/)
- [Racial Wealth Gap](https://slguardian.org/tag/racial-wealth-gap/)
- [Economic Rights](https://slguardian.org/tag/economic-rights/)
- [Freedom Caucus](https://slguardian.org/tag/freedom-caucus/)
- [Electoral College](https://slguardian.org/tag/electoral-college/)
- [Islamist Forces](https://slguardian.org/tag/islamist-forces/)
- [Shahbag Square](https://slguardian.org/tag/shahbag-square/)
- [Youth Movement](https://slguardian.org/tag/youth-movement/)
- [Bangladesh Quota Protests](https://slguardian.org/tag/bangladesh-quota-protests/)
- [1971 Liberation War](https://slguardian.org/tag/1971-liberation-war/)
- [Employment Crisis](https://slguardian.org/tag/employment-crisis/)
- [Jamaat-e-Islami](https://slguardian.org/tag/jamaat-e-islami/)
- [Supreme Court Verdict](https://slguardian.org/tag/supreme-court-verdict/)
- [Awami League](https://slguardian.org/tag/awami-league/)
- [Political Repression](https://slguardian.org/tag/political-repression/)
- [Arab Spring](https://slguardian.org/tag/arab-spring/)
- [Political Crisis](https://slguardian.org/tag/political-crisis/)
- [Military Intervention](https://slguardian.org/tag/military-intervention/)
- [Neoliberalism](https://slguardian.org/tag/neoliberalism/)
- [Muhammad Yunus](https://slguardian.org/tag/muhammad-yunus/)
- [Social Unrest](https://slguardian.org/tag/social-unrest/)
- [Occupy Wall Street](https://slguardian.org/tag/occupy-wall-street/)
- [Media Suppression](https://slguardian.org/tag/media-suppression/)
- [Freedom Fighters](https://slguardian.org/tag/freedom-fighters/)
- [Dhaka](https://slguardian.org/tag/dhaka/)
- [Global Protests](https://slguardian.org/tag/global-protests/)
- [Interim Government](https://slguardian.org/tag/interim-government/)
- [Pakistan ISI](https://slguardian.org/tag/pakistan-isi/)
- [Military Influence](https://slguardian.org/tag/military-influence/)
- [Extremist Groups](https://slguardian.org/tag/extremist-groups/)
- [Foreign Intervention](https://slguardian.org/tag/foreign-intervention/)
- [Political Instability](https://slguardian.org/tag/political-instability/)
- [American Geopolitics](https://slguardian.org/tag/american-geopolitics/)
- [Bangladesh Army](https://slguardian.org/tag/bangladesh-army/)
- [Student Movements](https://slguardian.org/tag/student-movements/)
- [Bangladesh Governance](https://slguardian.org/tag/bangladesh-governance/)
- [Islamic Fundamentalism](https://slguardian.org/tag/islamic-fundamentalism/)
- [U.S.-China Relations](https://slguardian.org/tag/u-s-china-relations/)
- [Global Leadership](https://slguardian.org/tag/global-leadership/)
- [China and India](https://slguardian.org/tag/china-and-india/)
- [Asia Rising](https://slguardian.org/tag/asia-rising/)
- [Geopolitical Shifts](https://slguardian.org/tag/geopolitical-shifts/)
- [Global Institutions](https://slguardian.org/tag/global-institutions/)
- [ASEAN Dynamics](https://slguardian.org/tag/asean-dynamics/)
- [Multilateralism](https://slguardian.org/tag/multilateralism/)
- [Economic Growth](https://slguardian.org/tag/economic-growth/)
- [Southeast Asia](https://slguardian.org/tag/southeast-asia/)
- [Diplomatic Strategies](https://slguardian.org/tag/diplomatic-strategies/)
- [World Order](https://slguardian.org/tag/world-order/)
- [Global Governance](https://slguardian.org/tag/global-governance/)
- [International Arrest](https://slguardian.org/tag/international-arrest/)
- [Pavel Durov](https://slguardian.org/tag/pavel-durov/)
- [Telegram](https://slguardian.org/tag/telegram/)
- [Fraud Charges](https://slguardian.org/tag/fraud-charges/)
- [Global Politics](https://slguardian.org/tag/global-politics/)
- [Russian Officials](https://slguardian.org/tag/russian-officials/)
- [Robert F. Kennedy Jr.](https://slguardian.org/tag/robert-f-kennedy-jr/)
- [French Authorities](https://slguardian.org/tag/french-authorities/)
- [Telegram Encryption](https://slguardian.org/tag/telegram-encryption/)
- [Extremist Content](https://slguardian.org/tag/extremist-content/)
- [Cyberbullying](https://slguardian.org/tag/cyberbullying/)
- [Disinformation](https://slguardian.org/tag/disinformation/)
- [French Court](https://slguardian.org/tag/french-court/)
- [Tech News](https://slguardian.org/tag/tech-news/)
- [International Law](https://slguardian.org/tag/international-law/)
- [Tucker Carlson](https://slguardian.org/tag/tucker-carlson/)
- [Digital Platforms](https://slguardian.org/tag/digital-platforms/)
- [Russian Entrepreneur](https://slguardian.org/tag/russian-entrepreneur/)
- [Online Crime](https://slguardian.org/tag/online-crime/)
- [China Infrastructure](https://slguardian.org/tag/china-infrastructure/)
- [Asia Pacific Economy](https://slguardian.org/tag/asia-pacific-economy/)
- [Economic Diplomacy](https://slguardian.org/tag/economic-diplomacy/)
- [Debt Diplomacy](https://slguardian.org/tag/debt-diplomacy/)
- [South China Sea Tensions](https://slguardian.org/tag/south-china-sea-tensions/)
- [Geopolitical Risk Analysis](https://slguardian.org/tag/geopolitical-risk-analysis/)
- [Asian Development Bank](https://slguardian.org/tag/asian-development-bank/)
- [Infrastructure Investment](https://slguardian.org/tag/infrastructure-investment/)
- [Global Economic Impact](https://slguardian.org/tag/global-economic-impact/)
- [China-Pakistan Corridor](https://slguardian.org/tag/china-pakistan-corridor/)
- [Strategic Partnerships](https://slguardian.org/tag/strategic-partnerships/)
- [Corruption in China](https://slguardian.org/tag/corruption-in-china/)
- [Eurasian Economic Influence](https://slguardian.org/tag/eurasian-economic-influence/)
- [Ranil Wickramasinghe](https://slguardian.org/tag/ranil-wickramasinghe/)
- [Gamini Athukorala](https://slguardian.org/tag/gamini-athukorala/)
- [Political Scandal](https://slguardian.org/tag/political-scandal/)
- [Corruption Allegations](https://slguardian.org/tag/corruption-allegations/)
- [Presidential Commission](https://slguardian.org/tag/presidential-commission/)
- [UNP Politics](https://slguardian.org/tag/unp-politics/)
- [Talatha Athukorala](https://slguardian.org/tag/talatha-athukorala/)
- [Ministerial Misconduct](https://slguardian.org/tag/ministerial-misconduct/)
- [Bribery Commission](https://slguardian.org/tag/bribery-commission/)
- [Political Rivalries](https://slguardian.org/tag/political-rivalries/)
- [Election Controversies](https://slguardian.org/tag/election-controversies/)
- [Political Rebellion](https://slguardian.org/tag/political-rebellion/)
- [Parliamentary Debates](https://slguardian.org/tag/parliamentary-debates/)
- [Social Media](https://slguardian.org/tag/social-media/)
- [Facebook Advertising](https://slguardian.org/tag/facebook-advertising/)
- [Election](https://slguardian.org/tag/election/)
- [Campaign Spending](https://slguardian.org/tag/campaign-spending/)
- [Presidential Race](https://slguardian.org/tag/presidential-race/)
- [Political Strategy](https://slguardian.org/tag/political-strategy/)
- [Wickremesinghe](https://slguardian.org/tag/wickremesinghe/)
- [Political Advertising](https://slguardian.org/tag/political-advertising/)
- [Premadasa](https://slguardian.org/tag/premadasa/)
- [Google AdSense](https://slguardian.org/tag/google-adsense/)
- [Character Assassination](https://slguardian.org/tag/character-assassination/)
- [Presidential Election](https://slguardian.org/tag/presidential-election/)
- [Political Allegiances](https://slguardian.org/tag/political-allegiances/)
- [Political Scandals](https://slguardian.org/tag/political-scandals/)
- [Cambodia Heritage](https://slguardian.org/tag/cambodia-heritage/)
- [Angkor Wat Restoration](https://slguardian.org/tag/angkor-wat-restoration/)
- [Cultural Preservation](https://slguardian.org/tag/cultural-preservation/)
- [Angkor Wat Stairs](https://slguardian.org/tag/angkor-wat-stairs/)
- [Cambodian Architecture](https://slguardian.org/tag/cambodian-architecture/)
- [Naga Balustrades](https://slguardian.org/tag/naga-balustrades/)
- [Temple Restoration](https://slguardian.org/tag/temple-restoration/)
- [Israel Airstrikes](https://slguardian.org/tag/israel-airstrikes/)
- [Middle East Tensions](https://slguardian.org/tag/middle-east-tensions/)
- [Lebanon Conflict](https://slguardian.org/tag/lebanon-conflict/)
- [Regional Conflict](https://slguardian.org/tag/regional-conflict/)
- [Sudan Conflict](https://slguardian.org/tag/sudan-conflict/)
- [Refugee Crisis](https://slguardian.org/tag/refugee-crisis/)
- [Horn of Africa Displacement](https://slguardian.org/tag/horn-of-africa-displacement/)
- [Internally Displaced Persons](https://slguardian.org/tag/internally-displaced-persons/)
- [IGAD Report](https://slguardian.org/tag/igad-report/)
- [Sudan IDPs](https://slguardian.org/tag/sudan-idps/)
- [Food Insecurity](https://slguardian.org/tag/food-insecurity/)
- [IOM Findings](https://slguardian.org/tag/iom-findings/)
- [Humanitarian Crisis](https://slguardian.org/tag/humanitarian-crisis/)
- [Regional Migration](https://slguardian.org/tag/regional-migration/)
- [East Africa Crisis](https://slguardian.org/tag/east-africa-crisis/)
- [Forced Displacement](https://slguardian.org/tag/forced-displacement/)
- [Sri Lanka Politics](https://slguardian.org/tag/sri-lanka-politics/)
- [Election Campaign](https://slguardian.org/tag/election-campaign/)
- [Campaign Rally](https://slguardian.org/tag/campaign-rally/)
- [Political Vision](https://slguardian.org/tag/political-vision/)
- [Sri Lanka Election](https://slguardian.org/tag/sri-lanka-election/)
- [Leadership](https://slguardian.org/tag/leadership/)
- [Future of Sri Lanka](https://slguardian.org/tag/future-of-sri-lanka/)
- [Naval Diplomacy](https://slguardian.org/tag/naval-diplomacy/)
- [Chinese Warships](https://slguardian.org/tag/chinese-warships/)
- [Maritime Cooperation](https://slguardian.org/tag/maritime-cooperation/)
- [INS Mumbai](https://slguardian.org/tag/ins-mumbai/)
- [WUZHISHAN](https://slguardian.org/tag/wuzhishan/)
- [HE FEI](https://slguardian.org/tag/he-fei/)
- [QILIANSHAN](https://slguardian.org/tag/qilianshan/)
- [Naval Exercises](https://slguardian.org/tag/naval-exercises/)
- [Passage Exercise](https://slguardian.org/tag/passage-exercise/)
- [Dornier Aircraft](https://slguardian.org/tag/dornier-aircraft/)
- [Sri Lankan Maritime Capabilities](https://slguardian.org/tag/sri-lankan-maritime-capabilities/)
- [Jakarta Protests](https://slguardian.org/tag/jakarta-protests/)
- [Maidan Revolution](https://slguardian.org/tag/maidan-revolution/)
- [Color Revolution](https://slguardian.org/tag/color-revolution/)
- [NED](https://slguardian.org/tag/ned/)
- [IRI Funding](https://slguardian.org/tag/iri-funding/)
- [Political Financing](https://slguardian.org/tag/political-financing/)
- [Ukraine Uprising](https://slguardian.org/tag/ukraine-uprising/)
- [Political Activism](https://slguardian.org/tag/political-activism/)
- [Pandeglang Labor Party](https://slguardian.org/tag/pandeglang-labor-party/)
- [Western Interference](https://slguardian.org/tag/western-interference/)
- [Asia Pacific Affairs](https://slguardian.org/tag/asia-pacific-affairs/)
- [Poverty in Capitalism](https://slguardian.org/tag/poverty-in-capitalism/)
- [Capitalism's Flaws](https://slguardian.org/tag/capitalisms-flaws/)
- [Myths of Capitalism](https://slguardian.org/tag/myths-of-capitalism/)
- [Socialist Achievements](https://slguardian.org/tag/socialist-achievements/)
- [Capitalism vs. Socialism](https://slguardian.org/tag/capitalism-vs-socialism/)
- [Global Poverty Debate](https://slguardian.org/tag/global-poverty-debate/)
- [Wealth Disparity](https://slguardian.org/tag/wealth-disparity/)
- [Inequality in Modern Capitalism](https://slguardian.org/tag/inequality-in-modern-capitalism/)
- [Systemic Poverty](https://slguardian.org/tag/systemic-poverty/)
- [Working-Class Struggles](https://slguardian.org/tag/working-class-struggles/)
- [Political Satire](https://slguardian.org/tag/political-satire/)
- [Red Ink Parable](https://slguardian.org/tag/red-ink-parable/)
- [Hollow Manifestos](https://slguardian.org/tag/hollow-manifestos/)
- [Ideological Vacuum](https://slguardian.org/tag/ideological-vacuum/)
- [Truth Obscured](https://slguardian.org/tag/truth-obscured/)
- [Shrewd Control](https://slguardian.org/tag/shrewd-control/)
- [Grand Charade](https://slguardian.org/tag/grand-charade/)
- [National People's Power](https://slguardian.org/tag/national-peoples-power/)
- [Constructive Debate](https://slguardian.org/tag/constructive-debate/)
- [Empty Rhetoric](https://slguardian.org/tag/empty-rhetoric/)
- [Anura Critique](https://slguardian.org/tag/anura-critique/)
- [Cultural Warriors](https://slguardian.org/tag/cultural-warriors/)
- [Hypocrisy Exposed](https://slguardian.org/tag/hypocrisy-exposed/)
- [Revolution Play](https://slguardian.org/tag/revolution-play/)
- [Bangladesh Economic Crisis](https://slguardian.org/tag/bangladesh-economic-crisis/)