US Bolsters Middle East Forces as Tensions with Iran Escalate
The US has deployed F-15E squadrons and a carrier strike group to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran, as Tehran warns of a firm response while signaling openness to dialogue.
Politics
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Will Takaichi’s Surprise Election Gamble Pay Off?
Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi’s surprise announcement of a January 23 snap election has sparked debate over her strategy to consolidate LDP power amid public discontent and a new opposition alliance.
China Expels Philippine Aircraft Over Huangyan Dao Airspace
On January 20, 2026, the PLA Southern Theater Command expelled a Philippine government aircraft from the airspace over Huangyan Dao, citing illegal intrusion and sovereignty infringement.
Trump’s Greenland Gambit Worsens Transatlantic Trust
This week’s Greenland gambit by President Trump has eroded Arctic governance, undercut international law, and deepened a trust deficit within NATO in early 2026.
Xi Jinping Sets Course for 15th Five-Year Plan
President Xi Jinping has outlined key priorities for the Chinese mainland’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), emphasizing industrial upgrades, modern infrastructure and improved livelihoods.
Russia Denounces Japan’s Whitewashing of Wartime Crimes
Maria Zakharova has urged Japan to face its militarist past and atone for wartime atrocities, condemning plans to whitewash history at the Yasukuni Shrine.
Palestinian President Unveils Ambitious Reform Plan; Hamas Decries It as Unilateral
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced a sweeping governance reform plan this week, aiming for transparency and statehood; Hamas rejects it as a unilateral move.
Jordan Airstrikes Hit Suspected Drug Networks in Sweida
Jordan launched airstrikes in southern Syria’s Sweida province on Dec. 24, 2025, targeting suspected drug smuggling networks near its northern border.
Japanese NGOs urge reaffirmation of Three Non-Nuclear Principles
Japanese civic groups and A-bomb survivors petitioned PM Takaichi to reaffirm the Three Non-Nuclear Principles, protesting calls for nuclear armament and drawing criticism from Chinese mainland.
Supreme Court Blocks Trump’s Illinois Guard Deployment
On December 23, 2025, the US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to block President Trump’s federalization of the Illinois National Guard, underscoring tensions over federal and state authority.