It seems that in parts of Zambia, the fight against AIDS is facing a setback, a year after significant cuts were made to U.S. HIV assistance. While the United States is still providing some funding, albeit at a reduced level, through what’s being called “bridge funding” to help programs transition to a new aid model, the impact of the previous levels of support is becoming apparent. For a long time, it appears American funding played a crucial role in keeping AIDS at bay in Zambia. The question arises, why was there such reliance on the U.S. for this critical support? This reliance points to a broader discussion about the effectiveness of soft power and the consequences when it’s diminished, especially when such vital programs are affected.… Continue reading
Kamala Harris is sounding a significant alarm, suggesting that Donald Trump, described with the stark moniker of “mob boss,” has profoundly “eroded” America’s global standing and power. The sentiment expressed is that this erosion goes far beyond mere damage, with some observers feeling that America’s soft power, its ability to influence through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion, has been all but decimated. This perspective paints a picture of traditional allies actively seeking to solidify new alliances and trade relationships, often bypassing the United States, indicating a significant shift in global dynamics.
The critique suggests that Trump’s approach has fundamentally altered how the world perceives and interacts with the U.S.… Continue reading
It appears that China has now surpassed the United States in terms of global approval ratings, according to a recent Gallup poll. This shift marks a significant change, as China’s median approval rating reached 36 percent in 2025, while the U.S. leadership’s rating dropped to 31 percent, an 8-percentage-point decrease from the previous year. China’s approval had actually seen an increase, rising from 32 percent in 2024, illustrating a positive trend for them.
The disapproval figures are also quite telling. While China’s disapproval rating remained relatively stable at 37 percent, the U.S. leadership’s disapproval hit a record high of 48 percent.… Continue reading
China has pledged US$200,000 in humanitarian aid to the parents of students killed in what it termed an “indiscriminate” missile strike on a school in Iran, a country that blames the US and Israel for the attack. Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun condemned the strike as a “severe violation” of international humanitarian law, emphasizing that attacks on schools and children cross a fundamental moral boundary. While a US military investigation is underway, initial reports suggest a targeting mistake involving a US Tomahawk missile, though US President Donald Trump has offered varied responses when questioned.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker