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The Arab League, made up of 22 Arab countries, was created in 1945 to promote unity, peace, and cooperation across the Arab world. Nearly eight decades later, the organization continues to play a role in regional and global politics, despite deep internal divisions that often limit its power.   From conflict mediation to diplomatic statements, the Arab League remains influential, though its effectiveness is frequently questioned. Here&rsqu...

In November 2025, Grammy-winning Fugees member Pras Michel was sentenced to 14 years in US prison for using money stolen from Malaysia’s 1MDB fund to influence American politics and help financier Jho Low obstruct US investigations into the scandal. The court also ordered Michel to forfeit $64.9 million.   In January 2026, a federal judge denied Michel’s request to remain free on bail while he appeals his conviction and sentenc...

The United States has taken bold action in the Pacific. The Trump administration has sanctioned two leaders from Palau and the Marshall Islands. The move comes amid rising fears about China’s growing influence in the region.   The US Department of State announced that Hokkons Baules, President of the Senate in Palau, and Anderson Jibas, a former mayor in the Marshall Islands, are now banned from entering the US. Their immediate famil...

As the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) prepares another rate cut to support slowing growth, Malaysia is holding rates steady after posting its fastest expansion in three years. The divergence highlights two very different economic cycles unfolding in Southeast Asia.   BSP Eases as Domestic Momentum Fades The Philippine economy grew just 4.4% in 2025, well below the government’s 5.5-6.5% target and down from 5.7% in 2024. Growth sl...

Japan’s seizure of a Chinese fishing boat near Nagasaki is not just a routine fisheries case. It comes at a time when several Asian governments are showing a tougher stance toward what they see as expanding Chinese pressure at sea.   Japanese authorities intercepted the vessel about 170 kilometers southwest of Nagasaki, well within Japan’s exclusive economic zone. Officials said the captain ignored an order to stop for inspecti...