Author: Andrew Rogers

Nigeria has renewed its support for a two-state solution as the only sustainable path to peace between Israel and Palestine. The call was made during a United Nations High-Level Conference on the Two-State Solution held at the UN headquarters in New York. Speaking at the event, Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, Syndoph Endoni, presented the country’s position. He said Nigeria firmly believes in the need for a peaceful resolution that allows both Israel and Palestine to coexist in secure and recognized borders. The two-state concept was first introduced in 1947 through UN General Assembly Resolution 181. The resolution suggested…

Ukrainian lawmakers are set to discuss a bill restoring the independence of the country’s two main anti-corruption agencies. This move aims to ease a political crisis that has shaken public trust in President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s leadership during wartime. In recent days, thousands of protesters gathered in Kyiv and other cities, showing rare public frustration. Their anger followed last week’s quick approval of changes that weakened these respected agencies. The amendments, pushed by Zelenskiy’s ruling party, limited the agencies’ powers. Facing strong backlash, Zelenskiy reversed course. He acted after pressure from European officials, who warned that weakening the anti-corruption bodies could…

Tensions between Cambodia and Thailand turned into a serious border conflict last week. Former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen took a clear lead in managing the situation. Photos show Hun Sen sitting at a long table with military officers. He is seen studying detailed maps, holding a radio, and with a cup of Starbucks coffee nearby. Though Hun Sen stepped down as Cambodia’s prime minister in 2023 after almost 40 years in power, he remains influential. He now serves as president of Cambodia’s Senate. Despite no longer being the country’s leader, Hun Sen played a major role in the events…

The government has dismissed claims that the FBI’s new office in Wellington is meant to counter China, despite the FBI director’s remarks pointing to China as a key concern. FBI Director Kash Patel, a Trump-era appointee, announced the launch of a dedicated FBI attaché office in New Zealand’s capital. In a statement and video, Patel said the United States and New Zealand cooperate on “some of the most important global issues of our times.” Leading the list was “countering the CCP (Chinese Communist Party)” in the Indo-Pacific region. Other challenges mentioned were fighting narcotics, cyberattacks, ransomware, and protecting citizens worldwide.…

President Donald Trump has made a major change to how top U.S. military leaders are confirmed. For the first time in history, all four-star general nominees will now have to meet with the president before their promotions are approved. This move marks a sharp break from the long-standing tradition where military promotions were handled without direct presidential interviews. The White House says this new process will help keep the military strong and ready to fight. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly explained that Trump wants the U.S. military to stay the most powerful force in the world. She said that the…

A senior United States lawmaker is planning to visit Taiwan in August, raising hopes in the region as doubts grow over Washington’s current support for the self-ruled island. Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi, a key Republican figure, is set to travel there next month, according to reports shared by three people familiar with the plan. Wicker, who chairs the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee, is known for his strong backing of Taiwan. He is widely seen as one of its most dependable allies in the US Congress. While lawmakers from Washington visit Taiwan from time to time, this trip carries…

China and the United States have agreed to extend the pause on tariffs after two days of trade talks in Stockholm. The talks ended midday Tuesday, as both sides looked to ease their ongoing trade dispute, according to Chinese Vice-Minister of Commerce Li Chenggang. Li did not specify the exact length of the extension during his comments. However, US President Donald Trump, who was visiting Scotland, said the pause would last 90 days. “According to the consensus between China and the US, both sides will continue to push for the continued extension of the pause on the 24 percent part…

Russian authorities have sharply increased internet censorship, disruptions, and surveillance since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. This growing control harms users’ rights and isolates the country’s internet from the global web, according to a recent report. The report, titled Disrupted, Throttled, and Blocked, details how Russia uses advanced technology and strict laws to block websites, slow down connections, and limit access to tools that help people bypass censorship. These measures are often justified by the government as necessary for national security and public safety, but they severely restrict free access to information. Experts and journalists interviewed…

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders will be the main speaker at a major Republican gathering in South Carolina, a state known for its early influence in picking GOP presidential candidates. This event, called the Salute to Liberty, will be held on August 18 in Anderson and is expected to draw around 2,000 party supporters. Rep. Sheri Biggs of South Carolina’s 3rd District, who is hosting the event, said Sanders is a strong fit for the local community. Biggs praised the governor for representing the district’s values, describing her as “down-to-earth, hardworking, and a person who loves the Lord and supports…

Australia has not yet recognized Palestine, but has taken a new step that could lead to future recognition. Unlike the United Kingdom, which plans to recognize Palestine at the United Nations in September, Australia is moving cautiously. In a recent joint statement with 14 countries, including some that already recognize Palestine, Australia welcomed key commitments from the Palestinian Authority (PA). These commitments could open the door to official recognition. The Palestinian Authority has called for Hamas to disarm and release hostages. It has also promised to hold new elections within a year. These conditions were highlighted earlier this week by…