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On July 14, 2026, Norwegian oil tankers reported that they were being attacked along the Oman coastline, raising renewed concerns over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. Among the incidents was the reported attack on the Norwegian chemical tanker Stolt Magnesium, with no casualties among the crew despite damage to the vessel.   These events underscore the continued risks to commercial shipping in the region and highlight the import...

President Donald Trump's threat to target Spain economically during the NATO Summit in Ankara exposed an uncomfortable contradiction at the heart of US strategy toward Europe.   Washington is demanding that its allies spend more on collective defense while simultaneously threatening one of them with economic pressure. Because Spain is part of the European Union's common trade policy, however, any attempt to punish Madrid would quickly beco...

Every typhoon season, the Philippines' Sierra Madre mountain range stands between powerful storms and millions of people living across Manila and the crowded lowlands of Luzon.   The range helps break the force of winds, pushes moisture upward until heavy rain falls over its slopes, and slows the water racing toward towns and cities below. That is why many Filipinos call Sierra Madre Luzon’s natural shield.   But the shield is...

Malaysia has vowed to immediately deport any Israeli citizens found in the country after reports alleged that Israelis using dual citizenship documents may have entered a technology retreat in Johor's Forest City. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government would not compromise because Malaysia does not recognize Israel.   Immigration authorities have since said they have found no evidence that Israeli nationals were present at the re...

The global race for clean energy is creating a new competition over critical minerals. Electric vehicles, batteries, and renewable energy systems all depend on materials such as nickel and lithium. As demand grows, countries are looking for ways to secure supplies and build stronger industrial sectors.   Indonesia has become a nickel powerhouse. Australia remains one of the world's leading lithium producers. China, meanwhile, dominates the...