(2026-08-18). Could a Prolonged Hormuz Crisis Keep Oil Prices High Into 2027? moderndiplomacy.eu Oil Markets Prepare for a Longer Crisis The global oil market is increasingly adjusting to the possibility that disruption around the Strait of Hormuz may persist for months rather than end with a short lived geopolitical shock. Nearly six months into the U.S. Iran war, hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough have weakened, while the interim …
(2026-08-18). Strait of Hormuz will not open until all terms of MoU are met: Iran's Ghalibaf. tribune.com.pk 
Senior Iranian Parliament speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf said on Tuesday that the Strait of Hormuz will not reopen "until the blockade is lifted, frozen assets are released, oil sanctions are removed, military threats and operations on all fronts are ended, and the other terms of the MoU are fully met." | .@mb_ghalibaf : The Strait of Hormuz will not be reopened until the blockade is lifted, frozen assets are released, oil sanctions are removed, military threats and operations on all fronts are ended, and the other terms of the MoU are fully met. pic.twitter.com/A0CEa1Zilh | — IRNA News Agency ‚&…
(2026-08-18). New reactionary Trump measures to intensify trade war. wsws.org A report issued by one of the chief anti-China hawks in the Trump administration has painted a picture of a giant global scam operation directed by China against the US.
presstv.co.uk (2026-08-18). Israel's genocidal war leaves just 3% of Gaza's farmland usable: FAO
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says only 3 percent of Gaza's farmland remains accessible and undamaged, as Israel's blockade and military restrictions prevent Palestinian farmers from cultivating their land, pushing food production in the besieged territory toward collapse.
(2026-08-18). While Trump talks tough, Iran's proxy armed by Russia, China and still carrying WWII Nazi weapons. hindustantimes.com Israel has displayed a large cache of weapons it says was seized from Hamas and Hezbollah, including rockets, drones, mortars, anti-tank systems and firearms. The arsenal reportedly includes Iranian-made or derived weapons alongside Russian, Chinese and even World War II-era German weapons, raising questions over the diverse supply networks behind the groups' arsenals.
(2026-08-18). How Iran has staved off economic collapse despite the US-Israeli war. responsiblestatecraft.org Nearly six months after the U.S. and Israel launched an operation to overthrow the Iranian government, it's fair to say their assault hasn't exactly gone according to plan. Still, the ensuing war has followed a clear, predictable logic.After decades of sanctions failed to persuade Iranians to overthrow the regime, Israel and the U.S. resorted to war; after that failed too, they turned to a naval blockade. Each escalation has had an impact, adding to the misery of life in Iran, but so far each has missed its ultimate target: forcing a surrender.The military stalemate has once again turned attention to the econ…
(2026-08-18). Erdogan calls on Trump to prioritise diplomacy in talks with Iran. geo.tv US President Donald Trump and Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shake hands as they meet at the White House in Washington, DC, US, September 25, 2025. — Türkiye offers support for diplomatic and peace efforts.Ankara criticises US and Israeli assaults on Iran.Iran warns it…
(2026-08-18). Democracy Now! 2026-08-18 Tuesday. democracynow.org Headlines for August 18, 2026; Who Is Natalie Harp? NYT Reporter Maggie Haberman on Trump's Aide & His Attacks on Women Reporters; "Regime Change" Author Maggie Haberman on Trump's Imperial Presidency, Epstein Files & War on Iran; Netanyahu Throws "Poison Pill" into Gaza Deal as Kushner Meets with Hamas & Israel: Mouin Rabbani | Headlines for August 18, 2026; Who Is Natalie Harp? NYT Reporter Maggie Haberman on Trump's Aide & His Attacks on Women Reporters; "Regime Change" Author Maggie Haberman on Trump's Imperial Presidency, Epstein Files & War on Iran;…
(2026-08-18). Iran hands full Saudi, UAE & Kuwait target lists to Houthis as IRGC takes control, and sends missiles. hindustantimes.com Iran is reportedly expanding its military preparations amid a stalemate with Washington, with the IRGC gaining greater control and missile and drone production being ramped up. Reports also allege Iranian commanders are helping Houthi forces prepare weapons, intelligence and target lists across the Red Sea, raising fears of a wider regional escalation.
(2026-08-18). Why Is Trump Happier Than Iran Over the Saudi Defense Pact? thinktank.pk US President Donald Trump's enthusiastic response to the new Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan may appear surprising. The agreement creates a regional security arrangement in which an armed attack against one of the three countries is to be regarded as an attack against all three. The pact was signed in …
(2026-08-18). PSX tumbles 1,806 points amid geopolitical tensions. tribune.com.pk 
Selling pressure gripped the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Tuesday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index falling 1,806.12 points, or 0.89%, to 178,896.29 by 1: 24pm, as uncertainty over prospects for a United States-Iran peace deal weighed on investor sentiment. | The index opened at 180,502.44 and briefly climbed to 180,602.44 before losing ground. It touched an intraday low of 178,488.91, reflecting broad-based selling across major sectors. As trading began, the KSE-100 reached 178,956.92, down 1,545.52 points, or 0.86%, before losses deepened during the session. | Selling was particularly evident in automobil…
(2026-08-18). Oil climbs as fading US-Iran peace hopes raise supply risks. tribune.com.pk 
Oil prices rose on Tuesday as prospects receded for a deal to end the Middle East war, with Iran saying it would adopt a more offensive stance and the United States ruling out extension of a ceasefire deal, heightening worries about energy supply. | Iran will shift to a "fully offensive" military posture as efforts have stalled towards a permanent end to the war, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday, as Washington ruled out extending their temporary ceasefire pact. | Brent crude futures climbed 62 cents, or 0.7%, to $91.49 a barrel, after ‚&Arin…
(2026-08-17). Cruel Irish government's 63% refusal on Palestinian short-stay visas. thecanary.co 
Micheál Martin's obnoxious Irish government has combined two of its cruel fixations — anti-immigration and pro-Zionism — to deliver a shocking refusal rate for Palestinians seeking visa entry to Ireland. Figures released in July, which cover the period for 2026 up to May 31, show that only 81 applications for short-term stay were granted, while […] | By
(2026-08-18). Myanmar: The Architecture of Statelessness. aljazeera.com How Myanmar stripped the Rohingya of citizenship, leading to mass expulsions and a genocide case at the ICJ.
(2026-08-18). Dem Voters are Done with "Moderates" who support Genocide. juancole.com
(2026-08-18). Japanese activist keeps protesting against Israel's genocide in Gaza. aljazeera.com
(2026-08-18). Deputy minister of foreign trade says Cuba transforms to save socialism. radiohc.cu Cuba is currently immersed in implementing economic and social transformations to continue building socialism despite the obstacles of the blockade, stated the island's Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, Déborah Rivas. | This statement was made during a meeting at the headquarters of the PIT-CNT labor federation, whose president, Marcelo Abdala, welcomed her to "the house of solidarity with Cuba." | Rivas is leading her country's delegation that will participate in the Sixth Meeting of the Regional Conference on Population and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean. which begins in M…
(2026-08-18). Did Fidel Castro's decades-long defiance doom Cuba? responsiblestatecraft.org When Fidel Castro came to power in 1959, Cuba was legally sovereign but in an extraordinarily asymmetric relationship with the United States. As Earl E. T. Smith, U.S. ambassador prior to the revolution, told Congress in 1960, "the American ambassador was the second most important man in Cuba; sometimes even more important than the (Cuban) president."Castro's revolution changed that relationship. This is an essential part of his legacy — one worth exploring as Cuban authorities celebrate the centenary of the long-time leader's birth. Under Castro, Cuba went from a country whose foreign policy was deeply…
(2026-08-18). Cuba Slams Expulsion of Its Diplomats From the Dominican Republic. orinocotribune.com The expulsion of Cuban officials from the Dominican Republic is an act of "submission" to the United States, Cuba said on Thursday. | The Cubans hit back after the DR ordered the expulsion of 10 Cuban diplomats and their families on Thursday without offering any reasons for the decision. | The expulsions follow the creation of the so-called "Shield of the Americas," a far-right geopolitical and regional security initiative launched in March by US President Donald Trump. | The measure was strongly criticised by Cuba, which described it as an act of "submission" to US policies against Havana amid an energy and fina…
(2026-08-18). En Cuba las transformaciones económicas y sociales son para salvar el socialismo, afirma viceministra. radiohc.cu La viceministra de Comercio Exterior e Inversión Extranjera de Cuba, Déborah Rivas afirmó en Montevideo, Uruguay, que su país está inmerso en la ejecución de transformaciones económicas y sociales para seguir construyendo el socialismo pese a los obstáculos del bloqueo de Estados Unidos. | La aseveración fue en un encuentro en la sede de la central sindical PIT-CNT, cuyo presidente, Marcelo Abdala, le dio la bienvenida a "la casa de la solidaridad con Cuba". | Rivas encabeza la delegación de la mayor isla de las Antillas que participará en la Sexta Reunión de la Conferencia Regional sobre Población y Desarrollo d…
(2026-08-18). Conceden patente a producto cubano con aplicaciones biomédicas en la India. radiohc.cu La Oficina de Propiedad Intelectual de la India concedió en ese país el registro de la patente denominada Procedimiento para obtener mallas de nano y micro fibras de policianoacrilato N Butilo para aplicaciones biomédicas, un innovador resultado desarrollado por especialistas de la Facultad de Química de la Universidad de La Habana (UH), en alianza con expertos alemanes alemanas de la Universidad de Charité y WIWEX GmbH. | Según informó la Fundación Universitaria de Innovación y Desarrollo de la UH, lo enunciado representa un reconocimiento al novedoso aporte científico por constituir la India uno de los mayores…
(2026-08-18). República Dominicana: MIU defiende vínculos históricos con Cuba. radiohc.cu El secretario general del Movimiento Izquierda Unida (MIU), Miguel Mejía afirma que la expulsión de diplomáticos de Cuba y sus familiares por parte del Gobierno de República Dominicana constituye una ruptura con los históricos vínculos entre ambos países. | En un artículo titulado "Relaciones domínico-cubanas más allá de un gobernante de turno", publicado en la página oficial del MIU y reproducido por otros medios, a propósito de la reciente medida de la administración de Luis Abinader, Mejía considera que tal decisión representa una "desafortunada excepción" en las relaciones bilaterales. | Afirma que la histori…
(2026-08-18). La Serie Nacional de Béisbol comenzará en octubre con nuevo formato. radiohc.cu La 65 Serie Nacional de Béisbol cubano comenzará el venidero 4 de octubre, anunció hoy la Comisión Nacional de este deporte en conferencia de prensa, celebrada en el Salón Adolfo Luque del capitalino Estadio Latinoamericano. | El torneo devolverá al calendario el formato zonal, eliminado en 2013, con una división occidental y otra oriental, en un diseño que aproxima rivales, acorta carreteras y procura administrar con mayor rigor cada litro de combustible, en medio de la compleja situación económica que vive el país. | La Zona Occidental reunirá en el grupo A a Vegueros de Pinar del Río, Cazadores de Artemisa, Pi…
(2026-08-18). Abanderan a delegación cubana a VI Juegos Panamericanos de la Juventud Sorda. radiohc.cu La delegación que representará a Cuba en los VI Juegos Panamericanos de la Juventud Sorda de Guayaquil, Ecuador, quedó abanderada este lunes en el Memorial José Martí, de La Habana, informa la publicación deportiva JIT. | A la ceremonia asistieron Inés María Chapman Waugh, vice primera ministra de la República de Cuba; Omara Durand Elias, Heroína del Trabajo de la República de Cuba, miembro del Consejo de Estado, presidenta del Comité Paralímpico Cubano y multimedallista Paralímpica, y Osvaldo Vento Montiller, presidente del Instituto Nacional de Deportes Educación Física y Recreación (INDER). | En el acto se hon…
(2026-08-18). Conjunto Folclórico Nacional celebra aniversario 65 de la UNEAC. radiohc.cu 
El Conjunto Folclórico Nacional (CFN) presentó este lunes en la sala Covarrubias del Teatro Nacional de Cuba un espectáculo dedicado al aniversario 65 de fundada la Unión de Escritores y Artistas de Cuba (UNEAC), que se celebrará el próximo 22 de agosto. | Antes de la presentación la profesora Marilyn Garbey, presidenta de la Asociación de Artistas Escénicos de la organización que acoge a lo más selecto del arte y literatura en la mayor isla de las Antillas, rememoró la obra de esta compañía que es parte de la tradición cultural del país. | Evocó de manera especial al reconocido intelectual Rogelio Martínez Furé…
(2026-08-18). Presidente Díaz-Canel destaca tributo de Namibia a Fidel Castro. radiohc.cu El primer secretario del Comité Central del Partido Comunista de Cuba (PCC) y presidente de la República, Miguel Díaz-Canel destacó este martes el homenaje de su homóloga namibia, Netumbo Nandi, al líder histórico de la Revolución cubana, Fidel Castro Ruz (1926-2016), en ocasión de su centenario (13 de agosto). | En su cuenta en la red social X, el jefe de Estado comentó que "emocionan y reconfortan a su país las firmes palabras de la presidenta de Namibia, durante el tributo al Comandante en Jefe, realizado en la misión diplomática de Cuba en la nación africana".Jamás fallaremos al legado de Fidel y al amor que…
(2026-08-18). At a Gaza zoo, war takes its toll on the animals. geo.tv
(2026-08-17). China-Laos Railway cargo tops 90 million metric ton. ecns.cn The China-Laos Railway has handled more than 90 million metric ton of cargo since it began operations, the Kunming branch of China Railway said.
(2026-08-18). The legacy of 1945 and the shifting balance of power in the Far East between Russia and Japan. unitedworldint.com By Yƒ±ldƒ±ran Acar, Political Scientist In Japan, the anniversaries of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki once again provided an opportunity this year to commemorate the war, and the devastation caused by nuclear weapons. However, the language used at the ceremonies was not limited to merely commemorating the pains of the past. In particular, …
(2026-08-18). This Week in People's History, August 19—25, 2026. portside.org This Week in People's History, August 19—25, 2026 |
(2026-08-18). Brazil's president says Amazon oil is 'passport to the future'. aljazeera.com Brazil's president says Amazon oil is 'passport to the future'
(2026-08-18). Indonesia records over 2,100 aftershocks after weekend's deadly earthquake. tribune.com.pk 
Indonesia has experienced ongoing intense seismic activity since Saturday's 7.7-magnitude earthquake, recording 2,119 aftershocks so far, local media reported. | Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency warned the sequence could continue for another three to four weeks, Jakarta Globe reported. | The aftershocks ranged from 1.3 to 6.2 magnitude, with 24 measuring above 5, and 70 of them were felt by residents, the agency's director of earthquake and tsunami, Wijayanto, said. | On Saturday, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck East Nusa Tenggara, where the popular tourist hub of Labuan Bajo is lo…
newstalk.com (2026-08-16). The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor has accused Israel of wiping genocide evidence by carting off rubble and remains in Gaza.The organisation has said the Israeli occupation army is carrying out a large-scale and organised operation to clear and process rubble from neighbourhoods and facilities they have destroyed in the Gaza Strip, transferring the debris from areas under its military control to locations outside the enclave.
stlmag.com (2026-08-18). St. Louis judge issues, then drops, warrant for Jill Steins arrest
The charges stem from an April 2024 protest at the university over the war in Gaza. More than 100 people were arrested as police broke up the protest, though only Stein and one other individual wound up being charged. Stein faced misdemeanors for assault and trespass, charges that were issued the following March.
indcatholicnews.com (2026-08-18). US Children's Shroud Vigil for Gaza to be launched in Philadelphia
The event, organized by the Prayers for Peace Alliance together with Priests Against Genocide USA – (PAGUSA), Doctors Against Genocide (DAG), Justice for All, and a broad coalition of faith and community organizations, unfolds in two parts.
(2026-08-18). White House attacks CNN reporter for question on Trump aide. geo.tv US President Donald Trump speaks as he hosts 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams, who saved a child off the coast of Santa Cruz, California, last month, Nathaniel Rai, the child saved by Williams, and Nathaniel's family members in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC, US,…
(2026-08-17). China's private space sector launches AI-powered satellites as commercial push gathers pace. ecns.cn An artificial intelligence-powered satellite pair with onboard artificial intelligence processing capabilities were successfully launched into orbit, marking the latest milestone in the country's rapidly expanding commercial space sector.
(2026-08-18). FM Dar welcomes 'positive momentum' in Islamabad-Moscow relations. tribune.com.pk 
Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Foreign Minister (FM) Ishaq Dar on Tuesday welcomed the positive momentum in Islamabad-Moscow relations and stressed the need for continued collaboration in key areas and sustained senior-level dialogues. | He said this during a meeting with Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert Khorev in Islamabad, a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said. | "DPM/FM appreciated the positive momentum in bilateral ties and stressed the importance of continued cooperation in key areas, as well as sustained high-level exchanges, to further strengthen Pakistan-Russia relatio…
(2026-08-17). South Korea's Everland opens final vote to name panda cub. ecns.cn South Korea's Everland theme park has launched the final public vote to name a giant panda cub born in June, with balloting open through Aug. 30.
(2026-08-18). ICE Worked With Iranian Regime to Set Up Deportation Flights as Trump Laid Plans for War. theintercept.com 
Internal emails indicate immigration agents complied with an Iranian request to hand over specific nationals — and accidentally sent the wrong person to Iran.
(2026-08-18). Trump says North Korea's Kim has responded to his overtures. tribune.com.pk 
(2026-08-18). This African nation thanks Russia as 'reliable friend' after West stood aside on slavery vote. hindustantimes.com Ghana and Russia have signalled closer ties following talks between Foreign Ministers Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Sergey Lavrov. Ablakwa thanked Moscow for supporting Ghana's UN resolution on the transatlantic slave trade and praised Russia as a reliable partner on historical justice and Africa. The two sides also discussed expanded scholarships for Ghanaian students, visa-free travel for diplomatic and service passport holders, stronger defence cooperation, counterterrorism and regional security. Ablakwa also raised concerns over Ghanaian youth being recruited to fight in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, citing casu…
(2026-08-18). Pakistan face India in must-win World Cup clash. tribune.com.pk 
Pakistan face arch-rivals India in a decisive FIH Hockey World Cup Group D encounter on Wednesday, knowing only victory will ensure their progression to the tournament's next stage. | The match at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen is scheduled to start at 6pm PST, with England and Wales meeting at the same venue earlier in the day. | England, already assured of a place in the top-eight stage after winning their opening two matches, lead Group D with six points. India have three points after beating Wales 3-1, while Pakistan have one point from a 3-3 draw against Wales. Wales also have one point after tw…
(2026-08-18). Deadly Indonesian earthquake exposes unsafe housing and rescue cuts. wsws.org The earthquake was unavoidable, but the terrible impact on the island of Flores is a result of government neglect and austerity.
(2026-08-18). CIA ran secret drone campaign against Ecuadorian fishermen—prosecutor investigating it was murdered. wsws.org The Galapagos operation sought to leave no fingerprints, employing an unregistered aircraft, a shell company, an unmarked ship. Survivors were seized, hooded, held at sea for eight days, then delivered to a third country as shipwreck victims.
(2026-08-18). Fiji's Vatukoula goldminers receive a paltry payout after 35-year battle. wsws.org The fraudulent settlement enables the Rabuka government to set aside a historic crime against the working class while enlisting the unions to absolve multinational mining companies of culpability.
(2026-08-18). Infantino's FIFA World Cup fallout: Lamour exits after criticism of plan. aljazeera.com Kevin Lamour had publicly criticised Infantino's proposal last month, saying FIFA staff had been 'deceived' over plan.
(2026-08-18). Sri Lanka's Chandimal taken for scans after shoulder injury. tribune.com.pk 
Sri Lanka's Dinesh Chandimal was taken to hospital for a precautionary scan after injuring his shoulder and neck while attempting to save a boundary during the fourth morning of the first Test against India in Galle on Tuesday. | Chandimal sprinted from deep midwicket towards deep square leg before launching himself horizontally to stop a shot from India's KL Rahul in the fourth over of the tourists' second innings. | He managed to save two runs but landed heavily on his shoulder, with his neck and shoulder twisting as he tumbled over the boundary. | The 35-year-old immediately collapsed on the other side of t…
(2026-08-18). Could Climate Damage Become Europe's Next Public Finance Crisis? moderndiplomacy.eu Europe's increasingly extreme weather is creating a fiscal problem that governments can no longer treat as a series of isolated emergencies. As wildfires, floods and other climate related disasters become more frequent, the cost of rebuilding damaged infrastructure, supporting affected households and restoring economic activity is increasingly falling on governments. The problem is particularly serious …
(2026-08-17). AIpowered 'flying life ring' showcased in Hangzhou. ecns.cn An AI-powered "flying life ring" capable of autonomously reaching people in the water, keeping them afloat and returning to shore was demonstrated Aug. 6 at Xianghu Lake in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.
(2026-08-18). Trotsky's years on Prinkipo and the journey of My Life in Turkish. wsws.org The fourth annual International Commemoration of Leon Trotsky was held on August 16, 2026, at the Ta≈ü Mektep venue on Bàºyàºkada, hosted by the Adalar Municipality with the support of Mehring Yayƒ±ncƒ±lƒ±k and the World Socialist Web Site.
(2026-08-18). Pakistan's Hard State Under Institutional Stress: What the Supreme Court's Imran Khan Order Means. thinktank.pk Pakistan's political system is facing another institutional test. The Supreme Court has ordered that jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan be moved from prison to Shifa Hospital for a medical checkup, according to reports on August 18, 2026. The order comes after years of controversy surrounding Khan's imprisonment, his medical condition and the treatment of …
(2026-08-18). Hoping for an Energy-Intensive Future. wattsupwiththat.com The critical point is that developing nations are seeking not marginal improvements but rather fundamental, dramatic transformations in living standards. This necessitates massive investments in infrastructure, industrialization, and agricultural modernization — all energy-intensive.
(2026-08-17). Sunflower seeds and dumplings make the sanctions list, turning US 'Big Stick' into a joke. ecns.cn The U.S. has further expanded its UFLPA Entity List, adding well-known Chinese consumer brands such as ChaCha Food and Synear Dumplings to the restricted list. | In the latest News Lounge of China News Network, U.S. scholar Josef Gregory Mahoney points out that this move by the U.S. side amounts to nothing short of political posturing and economic coercion.
(2026-08-18). C919 Takes to the International Skies: China's Commercial Aviation Comes of Age. thinktank.pk The first regular international commercial service of China's domestically developed C919 passenger jet is more than a new airline route. When an Air China C919 began daily scheduled service between Beijing and Ulaanbaatar on August 12, it marked an important transition in China's effort to establish itself as a serious producer of large commercial aircraft. …
(2026-08-17). Fast-track for 24-hour visa-free transit opens at Haikou Meilan Airport. ecns.cn A new fast-track service for international passengers eligible for 24-hour direct transit without border inspection formalities has officially opened at Haikou Meilan International Airport in south China's Hainan Province, the airport announced on Monday.
(2026-08-18). Videos show deadly school shooting in Philippines. aljazeera.com A ninth-grade student opened fire at a high school in Zamboanga, Philippines, killing a fellow student and himself.
(2026-08-18). Iran puts Qatar on notice after 3 pilots are presumed captured? 'Fear will stay with them forever'. hindustantimes.com Iran has demanded answers over three pilots it claims were captured by Qatar, while Doha has denied holding them. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei also reacted to reports that Donald Trump secretly switched aircraft while leaving last month's NATO summit in Ankara, issuing a stark warning.
(2026-08-18). Let Your Love For This World Fill You With Joy And Compel You To Action. thealtworld.com Love and cherish our world. That's the secret to remaining both (A) deeply happy and (B) well-informed about the dystopian abuses of the empire. | You don't have to choose. You can have both. | I sometimes get called a Debbie Downer for my nonstop writing about all the evils that are being inflicted upon our world by powerful people every day, but readers who meet me or listen to my podcasts have often expressed surprise at how upbeat and cheerful I am in real life. They see me focusing on extremely dark subject matter day after day and expressing rage and revulsion at the horrors we are witnessing, so they expec…
(2026-08-18). Once again in defense of the American Revolution: A reply to a Brazilian historian. wsws.org The WSWS replies to Brazilian historian Mário Maestri, who argues that the American Revolution, like Brazilian independence, failed to bring about a "class-based transformation" and therefore does not merit the designation of a revolution.
(2026-08-17). Drainage operations underway in flooded areas of Henan. ecns.cn After a breach in the Jialu River was successfully closed on Saturday evening, local authorities have continued deploying rescue teams around the clock to drain floodwaters and restore urban traffic as soon as possible.
(2026-08-18). India's 'Cockroach' movement makes schools next battleground against Modi. aljazeera.com Cockroach leaders asked supporters to audit their nearest government-run schools. But it has started with a killing.
(2026-08-17). Shanghai Port leads world in green-methanol bunkering. ecns.cn Shanghai Port has supplied 36,000 metric tons of green methanol since China's first bunkering operation in April 2024, ranking first among major global ports, Shanghai Customs said Monday.
(2026-08-17). China develops direct test for rareearth impurities. ecns.cn Chinese researchers have developed a method that can directly and precisely detect trace rare-earth impurities in high-purity rare-earth materials, overcoming a long-standing challenge caused by matrix interference, CCTV News reported Monday.
(2026-08-17). DJI vows continued legal action after U.S. court orders to review its 'military company' designation. ecns.cn Chinese drone maker DJI said Monday it would continue its legal challenge after a U.S. federal appeals court ordered a lower court to review a case over the company's designation as a "Chinese military company" by the U.S. Department of Defense.
(2026-08-18). Who are the M23 Rebels in eastern DRC? globalvoices.org 
(2026-08-18). SARS calls for comments on new digital VAT model. sanews.gov.za SARS calls for comments on new digital VAT model | The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has called for public comment on the Value-Added Tax (VAT) Modernisation Discussion Paper of 2023, which outlines a new digital VAT model to modernise VAT administration. | According to SARS, the transformation will enable a long-term shift to a digitally driven, transparent and resilient VAT administration. | "The Consultation Paper outlines a proposed Digital VAT Model that brings together e-Invoicing, an Interoperability Framework and e-Reporting to reposition VAT administration for the economy, ease compliance obligat…
(2026-08-18). Palestinian-American confronts Israeli settler at his besieged home. aljazeera.com Palestinian-American Loui Abu Ridi confronted an Israeli settler at his home in Qusra, south of Nablus.
(2026-08-18). Democratic Party pledges 'honest review' after preliminary election wipeout in Cook Islands. asiapacificreport.nz By Rashneel Kumar, editor of the Cook Islands News Cook Islands' Democratic Party leader Tina Pupuke-Browne has pledged an "honest campaign review" after preliminary results showed the party losing all its seats. Pupuke-Browne said the party will learn from its dismal 2026 general election performance, but added that it is "premature" to declare their final…
(2026-08-18). Kohli advice inspires Cox ahead of Pakistan Tests. tribune.com.pk 
England batter Jordan Cox has revealed how advice from India great Virat Kohli helped him navigate the pressures of Test cricket as he prepares to take on a new role in the upcoming series against Pakistan. | Cox, who shared a dressing room with Kohli at Royal Challengers Bengaluru during this year's Indian Premier League, said the former India captain encouraged him to enjoy the occasion before his long-awaited Test debut against New Zealand at The Oval in June. | The pair met in London shortly before Cox was selected in England's starting line-up, with Kohli offering a simple but memorable message. | "'Enjoy…
(2026-08-18). North Korea's Piedmont Strategy: Turning the Ukraine War into Regional Advantage. moderndiplomacy.eu Reports that North Korea may send as many as 30,000 additional troops to support Russia's war in Ukraine should be assessed as more than a mere transaction of manpower. Although their immediate impact on the battlefield could be limited, the long-term strategic consequences could extend far beyond the European continent. North Korean personnel could gain …
(2026-08-17). Young people from China, France donate WWII archives to Yunnan museum to safeguard history. ecns.cn Three young people, two from France and one from China, donated scanned copies of historical archives from the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression to the Yunnan Anti‚ÄëJapanese War Victory Memorial Hall in Kunming, Southwest China's Yunnan Province, on Monday.
(2026-08-18). Asian Champions League draw: Holders Al-Ahli to face former winners Al Ain. aljazeera.com Al-Ahli and Al Ain, who will also face Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr, are the pick of the match-ups in AFC's Elite draw.
(2026-08-18). Pretoria DPWI building closes for a week. sanews.gov.za Pretoria DPWI building closes for a week | The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has informed the public that its head office building, the Central Government Office (CGO) in the Pretoria Central Business District, will be closed for a week, while important renovation work takes place. | "DPWI has appointed a contractor to replace the roof and carry out other repair work at the building as part of the ongoing efforts to improve the facility. Access to the CGO building will be completely restricted to staff, visitors and stakeholders from 21 August 2026 to 28 August 2026, to allow for the safe instal…
(2026-08-17). EconoScope | Hoshine case puts U.S. forced-labor enforcement to the test. ecns.cn U.S. restrictions on Chinese companies over alleged "forced labor" are facing growing scrutiny, both over the facts behind such accusations and the legal procedures used to enforce them.
(2026-08-18). WHYY Newscast for Tuesday 6:00 a.m. whyy.org The latest local headlines from WHYY…
(2026-08-18). Amid growing support for Ukrainian political prisoner Bogdan Syrotiuk, the New York Times maintains its guilty silence. wsws.org One week after a Ukrainian court sentenced the socialist Bogdan Syrotiuk to 15 years in prison, the Times published a front-page feature on a Ukrainian held in Russia—while maintaining its total silence on the political prisoners of the Zelensky regime.
(2026-08-17). Hot online trends fuel new wave of inbound tourism. ecns.cn Viral trends such as China Cool and Chinamaxxing are helping fuel a surge in international tourism, as more travelers head to China in search of immersive, firsthand experiences.
(2026-08-18). Americans Are Not Wealthy: This Is the Truth About the US Economy. orinocotribune.com 
By Ben Norton — Aug 16, 2026 | It is often said that the United States is the richest country on Earth. This is a myth. | It is certainly true that, in the United States, there are some very, very rich people, including the wealthiest billionaires on Earth, and the first ever trillionaire (Elon Musk). | However, when you look at the country as a whole, you see that the US is not a relatively prosperous nation. | This article will analyze a broad set of data, including several different indicators, that show how Americans are not wealthy compared to people in other advanced economies. | Americans are NOT w…
(2026-08-18). Wave Goodbye to the Butterfly Effect … wattsupwiththat.com Any predictive system constructing cycles of variable duration and/or varying amplitude will fail after a few cycles if the mechanisms behind the variability are not fully understood and/or cannot be accurately replicated.
(2026-08-18). Zwangsmaàünahmen ohne Zukunft. Wie erfolgreich kà∂nnten die von Kaja Kallas angekàºndigten "drakonischen Sanktionen" gegen Russland sein? strategic-culture.su Nicht einmal einen Monat nach der Verabschiedung des 21. Sanktionspakets gegen Russland stàºrmt Europa bereits wieder ‚Äûin die Schlacht". Im Herbst wird die EU das nà§chste, 22. Sanktionspaket vorstellen, das als das bisher umfangreichste in die Geschichte eingehen soll. | Diese Nachricht verkàºndete gestern die EU-Auàüenbeauftragte Kaja Kallas in einem Interview mit der Zeitung ‚ÄûDie Welt". Und diesmal, so versprach Kallas, wàºrden die Strafmaàünahmen Russland den hà§rtesten Schlag versetzen. | Aber ist das wirklich so? | Ich beginne mit mein…
(2026-08-18). Why The Ford Class Carrier's Island Superstructure Is Located So Far Back. twz.com 
(2026-08-18). Dimpane commends police for courageous response to Robertson armed standoff. sanews.gov.za Dimpane commends police for courageous response to Robertson armed standoff | The swift and coordinated response by South African Police Service (SAPS) members to a prolonged armed standoff in Robertson, Western Cape, has been commended by Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane. | The standoff ended with the death of a 40-year-old gunman after police were forced to respond to a sustained armed threat. | Dimpane singled out members of Robertson Police Station who were first on the scene, following the initial complaint and subsequently came under fire, as well as members of the Tactical Re…
(2026-08-18). Gen Z treats AI as friend, new study reveals. tribune.com.pk 
Over a quarter of Gen Z users interact with artificial intelligence (AI) as if communicating with a friend, utilising the technology for emotional support and personal matters, according to a recent global study on Tuesday. | A recent global survey conducted by Kaspersky with 7,200 participants showed that Generation Z uses AI much more actively compared to other generations. | More than a quarter of the respondents, 27%, stated they use the technology like a friend, marking a shift from viewing AI as a simple task-oriented tool to a source for emotional support and companionship. | The study revealed that 28%…
(2026-08-18). India extend lead to 294 in first Sri Lanka Test. tribune.com.pk 
India tightened their grip on the first Test against Sri Lanka, reaching 116-4 at lunch to extend their lead to 294 runs on day four in Galle on Tuesday. | With six wickets in hand on a pitch increasingly assisting spin with turn and bounce, the tourists are strongly placed to force a result and take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. | At lunch Rishabh Pant was batting on 21 off 22 balls with a four and six, alongside Dhruv Jurel, who was on five. | Devdutt Padikkal, who posted a maiden hundred in the first innings, walked in to bat in the first over of the second innings after opener Yashasvi Jaiswal fell f…
(2026-08-18). Major Meta trial begins as lawyers spar over witnesses, damages. tribune.com.pk 
Facebook-parent Meta will defend itself in a landmark social media trial that begins Tuesday in California, where attorneys have sparred over witnesses and financial penalties. | A coalition of states sued Meta in 2023, and the four states now going to trial were selected to represent them. Lawyers for the states will argue Meta deliberately made Facebook and Instagram addictive for children, in violation of state and federal laws. | In recent days Meta, which has more than three billion users around the world, tried to block ex-Meta employee and expert witness, Arturo Bejar, from testifying. Federal Judge Yvo…
(2026-08-17). Japanese PM's address blurs Japan's responsibility for its acts of aggression: Chinese spokesperson. ecns.cn In her speech, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shunned reflection on historical lessons and blurred Japan's responsibility for its acts of aggression, taking a major backward step on historical issues, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday.
(2026-08-18). A futuristic, hybrid-electric aircraft took flight at a test demo in Philadelphia. whyy.org From Philly and the Pa. suburbs to South Jersey and Delaware, what would you like WHYY News to cover? As if lifted by a sudden puff of wind, a small, yellow airplane festooned with propellers rose steeply from an expanse of asphalt on the north Delaware River waterfront and slowly buzzed away. | "Most passengers have described flying the airplane as like being on an elevator," said J.P. Stewart, a senior vice president at Electra, a Virginia aircraft manufacturer. "It takes off and lands in six or seven seconds — it just immediately levitates off the ground, and climbs…
(2026-08-18). Activists to converge on Twin Cities to plan further democracy defense. peoplesworld.org 
WASHINGTON—With the 2026 mid-term elections fast approaching, activists are hitting the streets to fight the Trump administration and his Republican cohorts. But they're also converging on the Twin Cities to plan future democracy defense, too. The National Convergence For Democracy, from August 21-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, will bring together labor, civic, civil rights, …
(2026-08-18). New York City workers respond to Mamdani's firing of Haitian workers. wsws.org New York City workers denounced Mayor Zohran Mamdani's firing of Haitian city employees, connected the attack on immigrants to the conditions facing the entire working class and called for rank-and-file organization and strike action.
(2026-08-18). Iraq: Man Dies in Police Drug Unit Custody. hrw.org Click to expand Image | Iraqi police patrol a street in Baghdad, June 28, 2026. | © 2026 Ahmad Al-Rubaye/AFP via Getty Images | (Beirut) — A 22-year-old man detained for drug use died in police custody in late June 2026, a day after Iraqi police removed him from a hospital in the southern city of Najaf while he was being treated for severe abdominal pain, Human Rights Watch said today. A family member of the man, Muhsin Ali Kani, said that the authorities told them to retrieve his body the following day.The Najaf General Directorate for Anti-Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Affairs, part of the…
(2026-08-18). Trump's Tariff Trap: Why Canada Is Scrambling Against the Clock. thinktank.pk Donald Trump's tariff confrontation with Canada is no longer simply a trade dispute. It has become a test of political power, economic sovereignty and Canada's relationship with its most important ally. With Washington threatening new 50 percent tariffs on around $20 billion of Canadian goods from August 19, Ottawa is engaged in an intense last-minute …
(2026-08-18). Pakistan Supreme Court directs shifting ex PM Imran Khan to Islamabad hospital for treatment. ptcnews.tv PTC News Desk: Pakistan's Supreme Court has directed immediate transfer of jailed ex Prime Minister Imran Khan to Islamabad's Shifa International Hospital for medical amid concerns over his health. | The court rejected government's objections and directed that Khan to be moved to Shifa International Hospital within 48 hours. A medical board including Khan's personal doctor and his sister, Dr Aleema Khan will also be constituted to evaluate his health. | The court also directed that Khan will himself bear all the expenses of hospital treatment himself. | "It is a very welcome order, and we wish it had happened so…
(2026-08-18). Trump invokes Indian electoral system for 'Save America Act' passage, calls for voter ID cards. ptcnews.tv PTC News Desk: US President Donald Trump on Monday renewed his demand for the passage of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, referring to India's election system and voter identification rules. | In a post on Truth Social, Trump cited India's large-scale election process and said that during the country's last general election, around 646 million people voted. He claimed that less than 1% of voters used postal ballots and that every voter was required to have a valid photo identity document. | "Earlier this month, India's Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, asked our Administrati…
(2026-08-18). Italy, Uganda keep World Cup 2027 dreams alive. tribune.com.pk 
Italy and Uganda secured their places in the Cricket World Cup 2027 Qualifier Play-off after finishing in the top two of their Challenge League B group in Tanzania. | With one matchday remaining in the final leg, neither side can now slip out of the qualifying positions in the six-team group, effectively the third tier of international 50-over cricket. | The pair will advance to an eight-team Qualifier Play-off later this year, alongside the top two teams from Challenge League A and the bottom four sides from Cricket World Cup League 2. | The tournament will determine the final four teams to reach the Cricket…
(2026-08-18). From Asia to Africa: Lessons on How to Build Regional Mineral Value Chains. moderndiplomacy.eu The idea that African nations must process their minerals at home has gained increased policy traction, and for good reason. After decades of exporting raw materials and importing finished products, the argument that Africa must capture more value from its enormous mineral wealth is both compelling and necessary. But while the objective is right, the …
(2026-08-17). Chinese short-drama platform moves to curb 'copy-paste' AI faces. ecns.cn Chinese short-drama platform Hongguo Short Drama has announced new rules for AI-generated characters, seeking to curb the repeated use of similar-looking faces across different shows and make characters more distinctive.
(2026-08-18). Microdramas boom in a shrinking Hollywood as studios chase a TikTok audience. tribune.com.pk 
When Craig Williams opened his production facility in downtown Los Angeles two years ago, he thought he would rent out the converted furniture warehouse for the occasional music video to sustain his fledgling film business. | Williams was blindsided by a phenomenon that quickly overtook his production space: microdramas, vertically shot serials delivered in two-minute episodes, played on phones. | "It started getting booked — and continued to get booked — with microdramas," said Williams, 65, a former music producer for Death Row Records. "After a year, I was booked all the time. I said, 'I've got…
(2026-08-18). PM Shehbaz calls for effective measures to create jobs for youth. tribune.com.pk 
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed the government to ensure coordinated and effective measures to create employment opportunities for young people under the National Youth Employment Policy, with a monthly review meeting to monitor its implementation. | Chairing a meeting to review progress on the policy, the prime minister said providing decent employment to the country's skilled and talented youth was among the government's top priorities. | He called for a comprehensive strategy and inter-ministerial coordination to implement the policy, with special focus on equipping young people, particula…
(2026-08-18). Western Cape teenager to appear in court over alleged possession of child sexual abuse material. sanews.gov.za Western Cape teenager to appear in court over alleged possession of child sexual abuse material | A 16-year-old teenager arrested for allegedly accessing, possessing, facilitating and downloading child sexual abuse material is expected to appear in the Malmesbury Magistrates' Court on Tuesday. | The teenager was arrested on Monday in Malmesbury, Western Cape, by the South African Police Service (SAPS), working closely with international law enforcement agencies. | Several child victims have been identified so far. | "A preliminary on-site analysis of the suspect's electronic devices uncovered explicit images and…
(2026-08-17). China highlights land restoration efforts at COP17 'China Corner'. ecns.cn The "China Corner" themed exhibition opened in the Blue Zone of the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Ulan Bator, capital of Mongolia, on Monday, highlighting the country's achievements in combating desertification and restoring degraded land.
(2026-08-18). Americans turn against Trump as Iran war drags on, approval hits presidency low. geo.tv US. President Donald Trump gives a thumbs-up as he walks to board Marine One following his arrival aboard Air Force One at Morristown Municipal Airport in Morristown, New Jersey, US, July 31, 2026. — ReutersTrump approval falls from 35% earlier this month, poll shows.64% of…
(2026-08-18). Former Australia batter Warner convicted, fined for drink-driving. tribune.com.pk 
Australian cricket great David Warner was fined and ordered to use a vehicle breathalyser lock on Tuesday after admitting to drink driving. | Warner, a world-renowned former opening batsman for Australia, pleaded guilty last month to a "middle range" drink-driving offence. | The 39-year-old was accused of stopping short of a random testing site while driving a van in April, before being breath-tested, arrested and taken to a police station. | Judge Clare Farnan formally convicted Warner of the crime and fined him Aus$1,500, according to a court record of the sentencing at Sydney's Waverley Local Court. | He wa…
(2026-08-18). Philadelphia teachers union says district's poor oversight led to Kensington High asbestos closure. whyy.org From Philly and the Pa. suburbs to South Jersey and Delaware, what would you like WHYY News to cover? Philadelphia's teachers union is accusing the school district of poor oversight of an HVAC renovation project at Kensington High School that will A contractor not authorized to safely remove asbestos disturbed the cancer-causing fibers in multiple places throughout the Kensington High School building this sum…
(2026-08-18). Cincinnati Open: Williams sisters fall in doubles while Zverev advances. aljazeera.com Alexander Zverev survives third-round scare versus Terrance Atmane while Venus, Serena Williams lose in doubles return.
(2026-08-18). Four months on, still no charges in death of man in Fiji military custody. asiapacificreport.nz 
RNZ Pacific reporters The Fiji Police Force has yet to charge any suspects four months after the alleged murder of the reportedly infamous Jone Vakarisi while he was in military custody. Vakarisi, 37, who was widely known for being on the wrong side of the law and reportedly linked to criminal networks, died on April…
(2026-08-17). Chinese films shine as summer box office heats up. ecns.cn China's annual box office in 2026 has surpassed 26 billion yuan (approximately $3.6 billion), with total moviegoers exceeding 650 million and screenings surpassing 95.23 million, according to data from online ticketing platforms.
(2026-08-18). Iran oil spill: the War is leaving environmental Scars that Ceasefires cannot heal. juancole.com By (The Conversation) — Oil slicks moving along Iran's southern coast have reached the Hara mangrove forests of Qeshm Island. Iranian authorities say the extent of the contamination is
(2026-08-18). A labor-unions group that once supported Stacy Garrity for Pa. treasurer is campaigning against her bid for governor. whyy.org What questions do you have about the 2026 elections? What major issues do you want candidates to address? A Philadelphia unions group that supported Republican Stacy Garrity's reelection as state treasurer two years ago is now campaigning against her bid for governor, accusing her of breaking promises made to building-trades unions. | The Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council, which represents more than 50 unions, endorsed Garrity in her run for reelection in 2024. Ryan Boyer, its business manager, said Garrity has promised them she would not run against Gov.
(2026-08-18). Elon Musk's fortune comes from not paying taxes. strategic-culture.su By Stephen LAND, Bob LORD | Join us on , , and . | Contact us: | Trillionaires are creatures of the tax code. If they paid taxes like working…
(2026-08-18). USA book third straight U19 Women's T20 World Cup spot. tribune.com.pk 
USA booked a third consecutive appearance at the Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup after winning the Americas qualifier unbeaten in the Cayman Islands. | Led by Chetna Pagydyala, USA won all six of their matches to finish six points clear of Canada, who they defeated by eight wickets in the tournament opener and again in their final game. | USA also recorded two victories each over Argentina and Next GenXI, a composite side featuring players from across the Americas region. | Mahek Desai was named Player of the Tournament after taking 16 wickets. | USA reached the Super Six stage of the 2025 Under-19 Women's T20…
(2026-08-18). Women in media mentoring session inspires next generation of communicators. sanews.gov.za Women in media mentoring session inspires next generation of communicators | Established women media professionals and aspiring journalists and communication students gathered in Pretoria last week for the annual Women in Media and Communication Speed Mentoring Session – an initiative aimed at equipping young women with the skills, confidence and knowledge needed to build successful careers in the media and communications industry. | Hosted by the Government Communication and Information System, in partnership with Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) at the GCIS Auditorium, the 2026 session brought together ex…
(2026-08-18). Brazil: Railway workers strike exposes privatization disaster in Sà£o Paulo. wsws.org After just three days of private operation, delays, crowded platforms, and a train fire sent passengers into a panic.
(2026-08-18). Premier League preview: Match schedule, prediction, transfers and more. aljazeera.com Matchday 1 fixtures, title predictions, where to watch and latest transfer news ahead of the new Premier League season.
(2026-08-17). China publishes selected works of Jiang Zemin on foreign policy. ecns.cn A collection of selected works by late Chinese leader Jiang Zemin on foreign policy has been published.
(2026-08-18). 645 million go hungry as global military spending hits a record $2.9 trillion. wsws.org Nearly one in three people on earth cannot afford a healthy diet, according to the UN's annual report on food security.
(2026-08-17). Hainan international education hub brings together 30 Chinese, overseas universities. ecns.cn An international education hub in south China's Hainan Province has brought together 30 Chinese and overseas universities, giving students access to cross-university courses and international education resources without leaving China.
(2026-08-18). Has the US South Korea Alliance Changed Under Trump? moderndiplomacy.eu Yes. The US South Korea relationship has not broken down under Donald Trump, but it has become more transactional, cost focused and strategically uncertain. The latest decision to scale back joint military exercises highlights a broader evolution in which Washington increasingly expects Seoul to shoulder more of the alliance burden while seeking greater flexibility for …
(2026-08-18). AFC chief hits back at Qatar in Infantino saga. tribune.com.pk 
(2026-08-18). Salzburg Festival sacks its acclaimed director for refusing to blacklist Russian artists. wsws.org As Europe rearms against Russia, Austria's Salzburg Festival has dismissed its acclaimed director for resisting political pressure to purge Russian artists.
(2026-08-17). E China's Qingdao explores smarter ways to improve delivery safety. ecns.cn Alibaba's on-demand delivery platform Taobao Flash Sale, also known as Taobao Shangou, has introduced a new safety measure that adds riders' waiting time at traffic lights to their delivery time allowance. Qingdao in Shandong Province is among the first cities to adopt this mechanism.
(2026-08-18). The Gasoline War: Have Iran's Hard Liners decided to Checkmate Trump Politically? juancole.com Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) — Donald Trump, born with a golden spoon in his mouth, has been used throughout his life to buying his way out of any jams into which he got himself. He gave money to women (and probably girls) he assaulted in return for non-disclosure agreements. If he went bankrupt, he could find investors to float his next purchase, even if they were disreputable, or he could find a way to raise cash through
(2026-08-18). eThekwini unblocks strategic investments to sustain metro's economic momentum. sanews.gov.za eThekwini unblocks strategic investments to sustain metro's economic momentum | The eThekwini Municipality is intensifying efforts to remove administrative and regulatory barriers to major private developments as it seeks to reinforce Durban's position as South Africa's leading metropolitan economy for job creation. | Through a targeted intervention led by the Office of the City Manager, Musa Mbhele, the municipality is actively monitoring and working to unblock 20 strategic investment projects across the metro, with half already fully resolved. | Regional resolution rates highlight the progress, with 100% of ide…
(2026-08-18). SC orders Imran Khan's transfer to Shifa International Hospital for treatment. tribune.com.pk 
The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday ordered that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan be shifted to Shifa International Hospital for treatment for the next few days and directed the government to arrange weekly meetings between him and his family. | The hearing came after a medical board report and a report by the Adiala Jail Superintendent submitted to the SC on Monday recommended more frequent meetings between Imran and his immediate family and spouse to help manage his blood pressure and anxiety, highlighting concerns over the former premier's blood pressure (BP). | A three-member bench headed by…
(2026-08-18). Workers Struggles: The Americas. wsws.org Students denounced union officials during protests over educational funding in Uruguay, while Puerto Rican water workers struck and Illinois IKEA workers walked out.
(2026-08-17). Body of former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji cremated in Beijing>. ecns.cn The body of former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji was cremated in Beijing on Tuesday.
(2026-08-18). Arsenal primed for Premier League title defence as rivals face questions. tribune.com.pk 
Arsenal and Manchester City find themselves in unusual positions heading into the Premier League season, but there is no question which of the title contenders feels more comfortable with their new status. | For the first time since the 2004-05 season, Arsenal will start a campaign as English champions when they host promoted Coventry in the opening game of the season on Friday. | In contrast to the buoyant mood at the Emirates Stadium, City have stepped anxiously into life without Pep Guardiola after the Spaniard ended his remarkable 10-year reign at the end of last season. | After years spent in City's shado…
(2026-08-17). Guangdong sees surge in international patients as medical service pilot expands. ecns.cn Since Guangdong Province officially launched its international medical service pilot program in February this year, the number of foreign patients treated at the 25 designated pilot hospitals has risen 95.6% year on year, reflecting steady growth in both patient volume and service quality, local health authorities said at a press conference on Monday.
(2026-08-18). What Nazi Germany can teach Americans about 'future regret'. peoplesworld.org 
Our friend Robert P. Jones has been thinking about "future regret" as a moral sentiment worth paying attention to in the midst of our present authoritarian crisis. This notion is at the heart of his new book, Backslide: Reclaiming a Faith and a Nation After the Christian Turn Against Democracy, due out just after Labor Day. (You can …
(2026-08-18). Can Centuries-Old Nuns Really Save Us from Ourselves? publicbooks.org "Can looking to women beholden to God help us escape a society so fixated on itself? Or does it simply package those devout lives as the latest content for a culture industry desperate for the next trending topic?"
(2026-08-17). Health promotion center led by Chinese medical team established in Guyana. ecns.cn A health promotion center established by the 21st Chinese medical team to Guyana was officially inaugurated at the Ministry of Health of Guyana on Saturday.
(2026-08-18). LAUSD imposes sweeping screen-time limits months after mass student walkouts. wsws.org The district will spend $1 million a year on software to track student screen time, six months after 12,500 students walked out against ICE raids.
(2026-08-18). The speech at the German Army ceremony: "Your duty is to refuse an unlawful order" unitedworldint.com By Tuƒüba Almƒ±≈ülar Location: Berlin's Bendlerblock. Date: July 20, 2026. At an official ceremony of the German Armed Forces, young recruits took their oath in the presence of Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, Chief of Defence Carsten Breuer, and numerous political leaders. The guest of honor was the writer, Navid Kermani. Taking the podium, Kermani issued …
(2026-08-18). US ICE to Deploy Dangerous 'Electric Shock Gloves'. hrw.org Click to expand Image | Federal agents conduct immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis, Minnesota, February 5, 2026. | © 2026 AP Photo/Ryan Murphy, File | The US Department of Homeland Security published a notice on August 10 outlining its plan to purchase US$10-$20 million worth of electric shock gloves for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.The "Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter," which the manufacturer, Compliant Technologies, refers to as "The G.L.O.V.E," can administer a painful electric current when applied to bare skin, causing "neuro-peripheral interference" that impairs…
(2026-08-18). Pakistan top court orders Imran Khan's hospital transfer amid access battle. aljazeera.com Supreme Court grants jailed ex-PM transfer to hospital for nearly a month after concerns raised over his blood pressure.
(2026-08-18). The Invisible Crisis: How Four Wars Built One Food Emergency. moderndiplomacy.eu What is happening to global food prices right now is not four separate stories. It is one supply shock being assembled in four places simultaneously — the Black Sea, the Sudan-Ethiopia border, Mexico's energy sector, and China's power grid, and the compounding effect is moving faster than any individual headline is tracking it. The UN …
(2026-08-18). Amazon delivery driver in Florida found dead in van. wsws.org Jaylene Vargas Gonzalez was found in the back of her van after it had been parked for hours.
(2026-08-18). Air Force Wants Family Of Expendable Target Drones That Can Mimic Everything From Stealth Fighters To UAV Swarms. twz.com 
With rapidly evolving threats around the globe, the USAF's target drones need to start making leaps to catch up and a new family of systems is wanted for this.
(2026-08-18). Postal workers: Organize now to stop the deepest cuts in US Postal Service's history! wsws.org Management plans to spend the next four months preparing the attack. The bureaucracy of…
(2026-08-18). Artificial Intelligence: The hype, the dangers and the resistance. links.org.au 
Marty Hart-Landsberg cuts through the fog of AI hype to outline some of the dangers we face from AI use and highlight avenues of effective resistance.
(2026-08-18). Philippine student live-streamed fatal school shooting before taking own life, official say. tribune.com.pk 
(2026-08-18). Lamour leaves key FIFA position after criticising Infantino. tribune.com.pk 
Frenchman Kevin Lamour has left his role as FIFA's chief operating officer after criticising president Gianni Infantino's scrapped private investor plan, world football's governing body confirmed Monday. | Lamour was the third highest-ranking FIFA official. | "FIFA can confirm that the working relationship between FIFA and Kevin Lamour as FIFA's chief operating officer has ended on August 17, 2026," a FIFA spokesperson told AFP, confirming a report in The Athletic. | "FIFA thanks Kevin for his two years of service and wishes him the best of luck for the future." | A former employee of European governing body U…
(2026-08-18). National Treasury defers fiscal strategy engagement. sanews.gov.za National Treasury defers fiscal strategy engagement | The National Treasury has deferred the fiscal strategy public engagement on the 2027 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) to October to coincide with the launch of the Fiscal Outreach campaign. | The engagement was initially scheduled to take place in July/August 2026, as announced in the 2027 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) Guidelines. | "To better align the engagement with the fiscal outreach programme, which will be launched after the tabling of the 2026 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS), a decision has been taken to defer the worksho…
(2026-08-18). Drone video shows drought-hit fields in England after driest July on record. aljazeera.com
(2026-08-18). What to know about California's special election to replace Eric Swalwell. aljazeera.com
(2026-08-18). Iran faces surrender demand as US says needed deal remains out of reach. geo.tv
(2026-08-18). Rome does not reward traitors. strategic-culture.su
(2026-08-18). 40th annual Philadelphia Caribbean Festival celebrates cultural pride and heritage with performances, activities and scholarships. whyy.org
(2026-08-18). The SCO's financial security system and the Eurasian drive. strategic-culture.su
(2026-08-18). Ceuta, il varco variabile della UE riguardo l'immigrazione. strategic-culture.su
(2026-08-18). With creativity and play, Thomas Jefferson STEM camp nurtures the next generation of engineers. whyy.org
(2026-08-18). The never-ending myth of a looming Ukrainian 'breakthrough'. responsiblestatecraft.org
(2026-08-18). Meta lawsuits: Is social media facing a global legal reckoning? aljazeera.com
(2026-08-18). Trump lashes out at CNN reporter over South Korea question. aljazeera.com
(2026-08-18). Pakistán asume presidencia de Conferencia de Desarme de ONU. radiohc.cu Pakistán asumió la presidencia de la Conferencia de Desarme de Naciones Unidas, en Ginebra, Suiza, lo que refleja la confianza internacional en su compromiso con el control multilateral de armas, valoraron este martes en Islamabad. | El diario local The News informó que en representación del país asiático, el secretario adjunto (Control de Armas y Desarme), Tahir Hussain Andrabi, preside las reuniones de la conferencia. | "Pakistán ocupa la última presidencia del ciclo de sesiones de 2026 de la conferencia y, por tanto, concluirá sus trabajos de dicho año", indicó el Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores. | Durante su…
(2026-08-17). Historic 'Super El Niño' likely to peak this winter. ecns.cn China's National Climate Centre said on Tuesday that sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific are continuing to rise and are expected to peak around November to December, forming an extremely strong El Niño event that is highly likely to become the strongest on record.
(2026-08-17). Being Set Up for A Spectacle: An Trajectory of Deepdiving While UncoloniziNg. indybay.org Recently, while showing their art in Downtown Portland, OR, a visual artist with over 30 years experience found himself experiencing what he thinks is a Set-Up in the works. People Who put certain pawns (and targets) into situations where character assassination is imminent. Or, in this case, a likely murder.
(2026-08-17). From Michigan to Florida: Is Foreign Policy Becoming the Democratic Party's New Electoral Fault Line? moderndiplomacy.eu When Money Stops Being Enough Abdul El-Sayed's victory in Michigan should be read carefully. It does not prove that the Democratic Party has turned against Israel, nor that money has suddenly lost its power in American elections. El-Sayed won a close race, but the result is difficult to dismiss. El-Sayed was hardly vague about where …
(2026-08-17). Thailand: Ethnic Karen Face Deportation to Myanmar. hrw.org Click to expand Image | An immigration detention center in Bangkok, Thailand, February 26, 2025. | © 2025 Jerry Harmer/AP Photo | (Bangkok) — Thai authorities should halt the imminent deportation of 26 ethnic Karen villagers from Phetchaburi province to Myanmar and release them from immigration detention, Human Rights Watch said today.On August 10, 2026, district and forestry officials along with the Thai military raided the Karen community in Ban Pa Deng village in Phetchaburi province's Kaeng Krachan National Park, targeting those without proof of Thai citizenship. The authorities arrested twenty-…
(2026-08-17). Come la Difesa italiana si è trasformata in una succursale di assistenza all'Ucraina. strategic-culture.su L'Italia è disposta a lasciarsi coinvolgere sempre più nella fase attiva del conflitto con la Russia, nonostante le possibili conseguenze disastrose? | Segue nostro Lo scorso anno, nel discorso sullo stato dell'Unione 2025, è stato ufficialmente pubblicato il bando per selezionare i membri fondatori della nuova Alleanza UE-Ucraina per i droni (EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance). Non si trattava di un semplice tavolo di consultazione politica, m…