(2026-05-22). Iran deal collapsing while Cuba burns? Trump's top diplomat issues two front crisis warning | Watch. hindustantimes.com Marco Rubio has warned that any Iranian attempt to impose tolls or permanent control over the Strait of Hormuz would be "illegal" and unacceptable, as tensions between United States and Iran continue to rise. The top U.S. diplomat also hinted at broader security concerns beyond Iran, warning that Washington is increasingly focused on growing threats from rival powers and regional instability as global tensions escalate.
(2026-05-22). Trump dares Xi Jinping to launch Taiwan war with this one move in Asia; Taipei in China firing line. hindustantimes.com Donald Trump's remarks about possibly speaking with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te have triggered sharp warnings from Beijing just days after the Trump-Xi summit in China. Chinese officials said any direct contact with Taiwan's leadership would cross a major "red line" and damage recent diplomatic progress. The controversy comes as Washington weighs a massive new arms package for Taiwan worth up to $14 billion. Analysts warn a Trump-Lai call could reignite tensions across the Taiwan Strait, overshadow Xi Jinping's planned U.S. visit and push U.S.-China ties toward another dangerous confrontation. preferred source…
(2026-05-22). Leaders Xi, Putin meet over tea; rare earth find in northeast China: SCMP's 7 highlights. scmp.com We have selected seven stories from this week's news across Hong Kong, mainland China, the wider Asia region and beyond that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. | 1. Substance for Putin, 'face' for Trump as China, Russia deepen strategic alliance…
(2026-05-22). Trump's Global War on Children. juancole.com ( As is true of so much with this administration, every accusation is also a confession. | U.S. troops have been shooting Somalis since the early 1990s, after lame duck President George H. W. Bush launched an ostensibly humanitarian intervention there that woul…
(2026-05-22). Protesting Trump's Targeting Iranian Visa Green Card Holders. juancole.com — | The Middle East Studies Association's (MESA) Task Force on Civil and Human Rights expresses our deep concern regarding the Trump administration's targeting of visa and green card holders from Iran, including Iranian academics and students, based on their familial ties and political views. While immigration-based targeti…
(2026-05-22). Stephen Colbert hosts Late Show finale after controversial cancellation. scmp.com Paul McCartney led an all-star line-up for the final episode of The Late Show as frontman Stephen Colbert bowed out after broadcaster CBS cancelled his show as it courted US President Donald Trump. | But one A-lister who eluded the comic to the end was the pope, whom Colbert, a devout Catholic, had long touted as his dream guest. | "The pope, who was definitely my guest tonight, has cancelled," Colbert joked, blaming a dispute over hot dogs before McCartney appeared to rapturous cheers.
(2026-05-22). Trump's "Anti-Weaponization Fund" : The fusion of the gangster-oligarchy and the state. wsws.org Trump's $1.776 billion slush fund would reward those who sought to overturn the 2020 elections, including those who attacked the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
(2026-05-22). US Senate pushes back against Trump's $1.8bn 'anti-weaponisation' fund. aljazeera.com The Senate delayed a vote on immigration enforcement funds in a rare show of dissent ahead of its Memorial Day recess.
(2026-05-22). Has Trump Broken NATO Trust? Why Europe No Longer Trusts Washington. thinktank.pk The return of Donald Trump to the center of global politics has once again shaken the foundations of the transatlantic alliance. Across Europe, particularly in Germany, concerns are rapidly growing over whether the United States can still be trusted as NATO's ultimate security guarantor. A new defense study revealed a dramatic decline in German public …
(2026-05-21). Trump's indictment of Raúl Castro is pretext for war on Cuba. peoplesworld.org 
After kidnapping Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January and killing Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei the following month, President Donald Trump declared "Cuba is next." With the unsealing of a criminal indictment against former Cuban President Raúl Castro on May 20, the administration in Washington is preparing to make good on its threat. The …
(2026-05-21). PSUV Calls for an International Front to Defend Cuba. orinocotribune.com The United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) issued an urgent call for the unity of parties, social movements, unions, student federations, and popular organizations worldwide, to form a political and diplomatic front in defense of Cuba, in light of the threats of invasion made by US President Donald Trump. | In this regard, PSUV alerted governments, political parties, and movements in Latin America, the Caribbean, and the world about the consequences of the recent oil blockade and other coercive measures imposed by the US against Cuba, especially following the Executive Order issued on May 1, 2026. | The state…
(2026-05-21). Venezuela's Delcy Rodríguez makes big moves to please Trump regime. thecanary.co 
Since the US illegally abducted Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro in January, a more pliant government under Delcy Rodríguez has cooperated very closely with the Donald Trump regime. And she's been taking big steps, possibly to try and convince Trump to leave her in power. Delcy Rodríguez's efforts to win over the Trump regime US interest […] | By
(2026-05-21). One Racist Batshit Christo-Fascist Homeland Under God. commondreams.org 
In retrospect, Sunday's taxpayer-funded blasphemy fest to "rededicate" America as a Christian nation though it's not and never was looks ever more obscene amidst an unholy regime's mounting crimes and abuses. Its sectarian circus – ICE milled, vendors urged "WIVES SUBMIT," zealots screeched "We welcome Jesus!", speakers attested God is eager for the ballroom – just queasily re-shaped a 250-year-old America into the kind of country it once sought freedom from."
(2026-05-21). Trump says no escalation expected with Cuba after Castro indictment. aljazeera.com President Trump said the United States is "freeing up Cuba" and ruled out escalation after the US indicted Castro…
(2026-05-21). Trump's Iran mind games begin? 'Maybe, maybe not…' warning puts Mojtaba on edge again | Watch, USA. hindustantimes.com Donald Trump has once again kept the world guessing on America's next move against Iran, warning Mojtaba Khamenei while refusing to confirm whether fresh military action is imminent. Trump's "maybe, maybe not" remarks have intensified speculation over a possible U.S. return to conflict even after signals of de-escalation.
(2026-05-21). Trump-Netanyahu call turns tense over revised Iran peace proposal: report. geo.tv 
US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands after Trump's address at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, May 23, 2017. — ReutersPakistan, Qatar help refine proposal.Israel wants the war resumed.Iran reviewing updated peace draft.A revised Iran…
(2026-05-21). How Dialogue Prevents Strategic Miscalculation Between China and the United States. orinocotribune.com By Oliver Vargas — May 15, 2026 | Trump's visit to China is a historic moment in which strategic sensibility appears to have been placed above destructive confrontation. A future of trade stability, mutual benefit, and respect for sovereignty is within reach. Rather than succumbing into a miscalculation, the United States should see this space for dialogue with China as an opportunity, as China is now at the forefront of industries set to define the coming decades: artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, electric vehicles, semiconductors, biotechnology, and more. | It is worth consider…
(2026-05-21). Why Marco Rubio's name changed before his entry to China? ummid.com US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in China Wednesday May 13, 2026 along with Donald Trump onboard Air Force 1 — the US President's official carrier, but not before his name changed.
(2026-05-21). Xi's key interactions with US and Russian presidents. scmp.com US President Donald Trump's state visit to Beijing on May 13 was Xi Jinping's 18th meeting with a US president since he became China's leader in 2013. Xi has previously held talks with presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, as well as with Trump during the US leader's first term. By comparison, Xi has had more than 40 physical meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the same period.
(2026-05-21). Xi Hosting Trump Putin: Signals China Now Runs the Show. juancole.com Playing host to Putin and Trump, China sends a message — it's now in the driver's seat: | The Conversation) — It's been quite a week for Beijing, with back-to-back visits by the leaders of the United States and Russia. Chinese President Xi Jinping has had his hands full with hosting duties, gun salutes, photo opportunities and high-level talks. | Each visit was important in its own way. US President Donald Trum…
(2026-05-21). The real lesson of Cuba's alleged drone build-up against the US. responsiblestatecraft.org In the tragic event that a sovereign state chooses to attack another, the party under attack will often shoot back. Russia experienced this after attacking Ukraine. The United States, Israel, and the Gulf Arab monarchies did as well after the U.S. and Israeli attack on Iran. Now, the U.S. may bring this fate down upon itself once again — this time in the Gulf of Mexico, far far closer to home. At least that's what
(2026-05-21). Trump, Netanyahu disagree on whether to resume attacking Iran in heated phone call: CNN. tribune.com.pk 
US President Donald Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday in a conversation that reflected their different views on how to proceed with the Iran war, a US official told CNN. | Earlier when the two leaders spoke on Sunday, Trump shared that he was likely to move forward with new targeted attacks on Iran early in the week, the official said — an operation that was expected to get a new name: Operation Sledgehammer. | Roughly 24 hours after that initial conversation, however, Trump announced he was halting strikes that he said were planned for Tuesday at the request of allies…
(2026-05-21). Is Trump losing patience with Netanyahu? US President claims Israel PM 'will do whatever…'. hindustantimes.com Donald Trump stirred fresh tensions after claiming Benjamin Netanyahu would "do whatever" he says, while sidestepping questions over reports of a tense call with the Israeli leader. Trump also signaled he is "in no hurry" to launch another strike on Iran, even as negotiations and military pressure continue side by side.
(2026-05-21). US voices hope on Iran deal progress before Pakistan army chief visit. scmp.com US Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced hope on Thursday of progress on ending the war with Iran, with mediator Pakistan's army chief due to arrive in the Islamic republic for talks. | The expected visit by Field Marshal Asim Munir, a powerful figure with a growing role in Pakistan's foreign relations, comes a day after US President Donald Trump warned that negotiations to end the war were on the "borderline" between a deal and renewed strikes.
(2026-05-21). Jewish Holiday of Shavuot Links Economic Justice With Expanding Social Freedom. truthout.org In the recent U.K. elections, voters widely rejected the currently ruling Labour Party. Commentator Aditya Chakrabortty credited Labour's resounding loss to three things: "Gaza … racist [anti-Muslim] Home Office policies, and then finally housing and cost of living." Some voters swung their support to the far right Reform Party, led by Donald Trump ally Nigel Farage. But the U.K. Green Party… |
(2026-05-21). Board of Peace envoy warns UN that Gaza division risks becoming permanent. al-monitor.com By Emma FargeMay 21 (Reuters) – The Board of Peace's lead envoy for Gaza warned the U.N. Security Council on Thursday that the enclave's current division could become permanent, leaving more than 2 million people crowded into less than half its territory, unless a ceasefire takes hold.U.S. President Donald Trump set up the Board of Peace to oversee his ambitious plan to end Israel's two-year war in Gaza and rebuild the shattered territory.
(2026-05-21). Five key takeaways from Democrats' autopsy report on Kamala Harris's loss. aljazeera.com Riddled with mistakes and missing sections, 192-page document on 2024 election loss to Trump fails to mention Gaza.
(2026-05-21). Trump Proposes Resettling More White South Africans and Blocking Other Refugees. truthout.org The Trump administration is advancing plans to resettle an additional 10,000 white South Africans in the United States as refugees. Under President Trump's proposal, which was submitted to Congress on Monday, the U.S. would lift its record-low refugee admissions figure from 7,500 to 17,500, with the additional openings reserved for Afrikaners. This comes as the administration continues to block… |
(2026-05-21). Bipartisan Opposition Grows Against Trump's $1.8 Billion Slush Fund. truthout.org Lawmakers from both the Democratic and Republican parties are pushing back against a so-called "anti-weaponization" fund, established by President Donald Trump and the Department of Justice (DOJ), that is ostensibly designed to provide financial compensation to individuals who feel they've been unfairly targeted by the federal government. The fund was created following Trump's decision to… |
(2026-05-21). Black Workers Are the Canaries in the Coal Mine During Trump 2.0. truthout.org Nearly a decade ago, Donald Trump infamously asked Black voters in his pitch to garner their support: "What do you have to lose?" The Federal Reserve answered Trump's question in its recent Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households report for 2025: Black Americans lost more financially than every other racial group. According to the report, 60 percent of Black Americans expressed that their… |
(2026-05-21). Trump eases curbs on planet-warming gases used in refrigerants. tribune.com.pk 
US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced the easing of curbs on a group of powerful greenhouse gases that drive climate change and are commonly found in refrigerators and air conditioners. | Republican Trump slammed the "ridiculous" rules introduced by his Democratic predecessor, president Joe Biden, on super-pollutants known as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). | Trump said the move would reduce the cost of living for US consumers. His approval ratings are plummeting as disruption to oil supplies from the Iran war drives up prices. | Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump said he was "officially terminating the B…
(2026-05-21). "Clear Racism" : Trump Admin Blocks Refugee Resettlement, Except for White South Africans. democracynow.org 
The Trump administration is advancing plans to resettle an additional 10,000 white South Africans in the United States as refugees. Under President Trump's proposal, which was submitted to Congress on Monday, the U.S. would lift its record-low refugee admissions figure from 7,500 to 17,500, with the additional openings reserved for Afrikaners. This comes as the administration continues to block the entry of refugees from other countries. The U.S. has resettled just over 6,000 refugees between October and April — all except three were from South Africa. Trump has said Afrikaners face racial persecution…
(2026-05-21). Taxpayers robbed: Critics call Trump's $1.8B 'settlement' with IRS a fraudulent 'sham'. peoplesworld.org 
WASHINGTON—The Justice Department, under President Donald Trump, has recently announced that it is establishing a $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" as part of a settlement with Trump related to the dismissal of his $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS over his leaked tax returns. If that sentence sounds confusing to you, or rather, like the president …
(2026-05-21). World War Trump: In the Trumpian Age, Every Accusation Is Also a Confession. worldbeyondwar.org 
U.S. troops have been shooting Somalis since the early 1990s, after lame duck President George H. W. Bush launched an ostensibly humanitarian intervention there that would be embraced by his successor, Bill Clinton. #WorldBEYONDWar…
(2026-05-21). Trump tightens grip on Republican Party as his poll numbers plunge. wsws.org While his hand-picked candidates defeated several Republican incumbents, both Trump and his policies are deeply unpopular.
(2026-05-21). Democracy Now! 2026-05-21 Thursday. democracynow.org Headlines for May 21, 2026; "Clear Racism": Trump Admin Blocks Refugee Resettlement, Except for White South Africans; Rising Conflict in DRC, Sudan, Other African Countries Linked to Trump's Gutting of USAID: Study; "They're Trying to Silence Us": Students, Faculty on Censoring Pro-Palestine Voices at Graduations | Headlines for May 21, 2026; "Clear Racism": Trump Admin Blocks Refugee Resettlement, Except for White South Africans; Rising Conflict in DRC, Sudan, Other African Countries Linked to Trump's Gutting of USAID: Study; "They're Trying to Sile…
(2026-05-21). Rubio blames WHO for Ebola delay, as US aid cuts cripple public health in Africa. wsws.org The Trump administration, having withdrawn from the WHO and cancelled more than 80 percent of US foreign aid, now faults the agency for responding too slowly to an Ebola epidemic its own cuts helped unleash.
(2026-05-21). Shadow Foundation Invests $100 millions in Crypto, Filling Trump Pockets. projectcensored.org In July 2025, Jacob Silverman of The Nation reported that the Dubai-based Aqua 1 Foundation, one of President Trump's biggest crypto-backers, may not exist. On June 26, 2025, the Aqua 1 Foundation announced a $100 million investment in World Liberty Financial. Under the terms of a deal between Trump and…
(2026-05-21). The U.S. Helps Prop Up 200+ Year Old Monarchy in Oman in Exchange for Access to Military Facilities. covertactionmagazine.com Jimmy Carter's administration signed a pivotal military facilities agreement with Sultan Qaboos after he brutally repressed a leftist rebellion In June 2024, Eric Trump announced the Trump administration's partnership with a luxury real estate developer, DarGlobal, to construct a $500 million luxury hotel scheduled to open in Muscat, the capital of Oman, in December 2028. …
(2026-05-21). Tomgram: Nick Turse, A Global War on Children. warisacrime.org This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here. Sometimes, Donald Trump just doesn't get the credit he deserves. In so many ways, he is indeed a record-setting president. Here's just one example, as reported by Dave DeCamp of Antiwar.com. In early May, the U.S. military bombed …
(2026-05-21). Trump says he is sending 5,000 more troops to Poland, stirring European confusion. scmp.com US President Donald Trump on Thursday said the US would send an additional 5,000 troops to Poland, stirring confusion following weeks of changing statements from Trump and his administration about reducing — not increasing — the American military footprint in Europe. | The Trump administration has said it was reducing levels in Europe by about 5,000 troops, and US officials confirmed about 4,000 service members were no longer deploying to Poland.
(2026-05-21). US says it has not changed its stance on sanctioning Francesca Albanese. aljazeera.com The Trump administration had sanctioned the UN expert for her criticism of Israel's policies towards Palestinians.