Author: thaobh.leo@gmail.com

The United States is in crisis and, therefore, Canada is in crisis. These conjoined crises have common features. Both involve reimagining national strategy, and also questions of federalism. But the similarity ends there. That the United States faces a “crisis of democracy” is widely acknowledged. It began in the early twenty-first century and accelerated after the global financial meltdown of 2007/08. Americans are deeply polarized about what has gone wrong with the system and how to fix it. There is a red-state view and a blue-state view. The struggle in Washington has become brutal, as each camp seeks to execute…

Trump aides $130M donation for military salaries Controversial move during shutdown sparks legal debate over private funding use

To shift the balance of power in a protracted war, Ukraine needs serious steps to strengthen its air defense system and develop its defense industry. Equally important is that Europe clearly demonstrates that it is truly alongside Ukraine, not behind it. This opinion was expressed in an interview by Austrian military expert, Brigadier General of the Austrian Armed Forces (retired) Herald Karner. Europe Must Act Alongside Ukraine “The decisive factor is strengthening the air defense system. It is precisely this on which the support of Europe, the United States, and NATO should be focused. At the same time, it is…

KUALA LUMPUR: The Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) has welcomed efforts to establish a cessation of violence in Gaza as part of a broader international initiative, while urging continued neutrality and unity amid rising global rivalries.Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who chaired the AMM, said the regional bloc must remain a “beacon of neutrality and a safe harbour” amid intensifying geopolitical tensions.”For two years, the world has witnessed the unspeakable suffering of Palestinians in Gaza – marked by devastating loss of life, mass displacement, and the erosion of hope and dignity,” he said in his opening remarks on Saturday…

President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend trade negotiations with Canada raises once again a pressing question: Why does Trump hate Canada? Perhaps “hate” is too strong of a word. But from posting on social media that “CANADA CHEATED AND GOT CAUGHT!!!” to time and again asserting in a joke-not-a-joke manner that Canada should become the 51st state, he is clearly annoyed with the United States’ northern neighbor.   Trump’s views on Canada likely originate not from personal animus or geostrategic thinking, but from two core features of Trump’s general approach to foreign policy. First, Trump has a transactional mindset to foreign policy…

Thai megastar Rodtang Jitmuangnon will face his most emotionally complicated test when he battles compatriot and living legend Nong-O Hama for the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, November 16, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. The 28-year-old expressed profound respect for the 38-year-old former bantamweight king. However, he revealed some initial reluctance to compete against someone he considers both a mentor and close friend. The highly anticipated Thai versus Thai clash pits two of ONE Championship’s biggest Muay Thai superstars against each other, with Rodtang bringing 274 career victories and…

Imagine China launching an invasion of Taiwan, and the United States decides to come to the island’s defense. Following the Pentagon’s doctrine and operational concepts for fighting such a war, the U.S. Navy and Air Force launch thousands of long-range missiles against Chinese ships, command centers, and logistics hubs. In the opening strikes alone, more than 33,000 precision-guided munitions target over 8,500 locations. Cyberattacks decimate Chinese military networks and paralyze the leadership. Beijing is forced to retreat or face defeat in what appears to be a swift, decisive U.S. success. Few U.S. lives are lost in this rapid, technology-driven triumph. If this seems…

Japanese prime minister, who took part in the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing on Friday, stated that Japan is ready to provide Ukraine with all types of assistance except lethal weapons. Deputy Head of the Office of the President Igor Zhovkva reported this during a television broadcast, Ukrinform says. “The newly appointed Prime Minister of Japan took part in the Coalition of the Willing. She delivered a powerful speech and assured further support for Ukraine. Of course, we understand that Japan cannot supply us with lethal weapons… But they are ready to provide all other types of assistance,”…

It was David vs. Goliath at the WNO 30 Open Weight Grand Prix, as several Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) stars from various weight divisions faced off in the tournament.Renowned giant slayer and ADCC absolute medalist Dante Leon tipped the scales at just 177 lbs, then faced heavyweights as the smallest man in the WNO tournament. He beat two bigger men in Pat Shahgholi and Felipe Costa to make it to the final, only to face tournament favorite Declan Moody, who was 40 lbs heavier.Leon entertained the crowd and had nice leg lock attempts to start of the match, and again during…

Inset left: Trevor McEuen (Texas Department of Public Safety). Right: Aaron Martinez (Obituary). Background: The stretch of rural road where McEuen killed his neighbor in Forney, Texas, in May 2023 (Google Maps). A Texas man will spend the rest of his life behind bars for killing his neighbor in a sustained hail of gunfire – a shooting he admitted but claimed was self-defense. On Thursday, Trevor Rhea McEuen, 33, was convicted on one count of capital murder by a jury of his peers in Kaufman County. Minutes later, 422nd District Court Judge Shelton Gibbs IV sentenced the defendant to life…