President Trump has made the decision to withdraw the U.S. from UNESCO, citing its support for “woke, divisive cultural and social causes” as the primary reason. This marks a reversal of the Biden administration’s 2021 decision to rejoin the organization after the U.S. had previously withdrawn during Trump’s first term. The withdrawal follows a 90-day review requested by Trump in February, which included a focus on potential anti-Semitism or anti-Israel sentiment within UNESCO. This move continues a pattern of the Trump administration distancing itself from global entities, including the World Health Organization.
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Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, expressed gratitude to former US President Donald Trump, endorsing his false claims about the 2020 US election and seeking a reduction in economic sanctions. The junta’s response came after Trump sent a letter to the general, indicating a 40% tariff to be imposed on the country from August 1. This communication marked a notable instance of US recognition of the junta, which seized power in 2021, and prompted Hlaing to justify the military’s actions by citing electoral fraud. Furthermore, the junta leader also expressed appreciation for the shutting down of US-backed media outlets that had provided independent coverage of the country.
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Japan has lodged a strong protest with China following multiple instances of Chinese fighter jets flying dangerously close to Japanese intelligence-gathering aircraft over the East China Sea. The Japanese Defense Ministry reported that a Chinese JH-7 fighter-bomber came within 30 meters of a Japanese YS-11EB aircraft. Japan’s Foreign Ministry conveyed “serious concern” to the Chinese Ambassador, urging China to prevent accidental collisions and cease such actions. These incidents follow previous accusations of close encounters, occurring amid warming economic ties between the two nations, highlighted by the recent agreement on animal health and quarantine as well as China’s partial lifting of the ban on Japanese seafood imports.
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While planning for Donald Trump’s upcoming state visit to the UK is underway, there has been no formal request for him to address Parliament, unlike President Macron’s recent visit. Concerns have been raised by some MPs regarding Trump’s past comments and stances, with one MP explicitly requesting the Speaker to prevent him from addressing Parliament. The timing of the visit in September, coinciding with a parliamentary recess, might offer a diplomatic solution to avoid potential controversy. Although no formal address is guaranteed, such decisions are part of the planning process, and Trump’s first state visit in 2019 did not include one.
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President Trump has once again threatened Canada with significant tariffs, this time a 35% levy on Canadian goods starting August 1st. This announcement, conveyed in a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney, demanded Canada build or manufacture products in the U.S. The letter also referenced Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on American goods and accused Canada of contributing to the fentanyl crisis and causing unsustainable trade deficits. These threats follow a pattern of postponed tariff implementations, earning Trump the nickname “TACO” among Wall Street brokers.
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Since the end of the conflict with Israel, over half a million Afghans have been expelled from Iran in a significant population displacement, representing one of the largest forced movements this decade. These deportations, part of a program initiated in March, have accelerated due to unsubstantiated claims of Afghan involvement in spying for Israel. Returnees face harsh conditions at the Afghanistan border, including scorching temperatures, with reports of detention, extortion, and abuse during the process. The international community has widely condemned these actions, citing discrimination and violence against Afghans.
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An Iranian cleric has reportedly offered a reward for the assassination of former U.S. President Donald Trump, adding to a growing number of threats from Iranian figures. This follows U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, which Trump claims “obliterated” Tehran’s nuclear program. Additionally, a senior aide to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made threatening comments, indicating a potential targeting of Trump. These actions come amidst heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran, and after reports of Iranian plots against Trump.
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A recent survey of 28,333 individuals across 25 nations reveals shifting global perspectives on the United States during the Trump era. While Canada maintains the U.S. as its primary ally, Mexico perceives the U.S. as its main threat with 68% of respondents. In Europe, Russia is viewed as the top threat, particularly by Poland and Sweden. Conversely, China is seen as the primary threat by Japan and Australia.
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Germany condemns China for targeting German aircraft with laser in EU operation. This is a pretty serious situation that demands attention. We’re talking about a laser being directed at a German aircraft during what we understand was an EU operation. That’s not exactly a friendly gesture, is it?
It makes you wonder: where exactly did this incident occur? While we don’t have all the specifics, the fact that Germany is involved suggests this happened in a location where German military assets are deployed. The Red Sea is mentioned, which could be relevant, and we know the operation was an EU initiative.… Continue reading
Lula tells Trump the world doesn’t want an ‘emperor’, and that statement comes loaded with layers of meaning, particularly in light of the brewing tension surrounding a potential US tariff on BRICS nations. It’s a phrase that resonates with the core of the situation: a rejection of authoritarian tendencies and a warning against protectionist policies that could further isolate the US on the global stage.
This isn’t just a throwaway line; it’s a direct response to actions that some perceive as imperialistic. The threat of a hefty tariff on Brazil, and implicitly other BRICS members, can be interpreted as a strong-arm tactic, a way of exerting control over trade and economic relationships.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood