A 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has resulted in over 1,700 deaths, a number expected to climb. While multiple nations, including China, India, Russia, and Thailand, have deployed rescue teams and substantial aid, the United States’ response has been comparatively delayed and limited, despite a pledged $2 million in aid. China, in particular, has taken a prominent role, rescuing several individuals from the rubble and providing significant material support. The delayed US response has drawn criticism, especially considering recent cuts to foreign aid.
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Trump’s cuts to the U.S.A.I.D. budget have severely hampered the earthquake response efforts in Myanmar, leaving a void that other nations, particularly China, are now rushing to fill. This isn’t merely a matter of bureaucratic restructuring; it represents a deliberate withdrawal from global humanitarian responsibilities, sending a chilling message to the international community.
The absence of timely and substantial U.S. aid is not only morally questionable but also strategically unwise. Cutting funding for global aid infrastructure undermines the U.S.’s soft power, allowing other nations to step in and gain influence. This perceived abandonment weakens U.S. alliances and jeopardizes future cooperation in times of crisis.… Continue reading
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) refutes White House assertions that it has waived transit fees for US government vessels, stating its authority to set tolls remains unchanged. This denial follows a US State Department announcement claiming millions of dollars in annual savings through this purported agreement. The dispute arises amidst broader concerns voiced by US officials regarding China’s influence over the canal and a demand for Panama to address these concerns. The ACP, while committed to dialogue with the US, insists no toll adjustments have been made.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood