International reporting on events and trends that influence Panama and the region. Stories include geopolitics, diplomacy, and global developments.
Pete Hegseth’s Christian rhetoric and push to revamp the military chaplain corps have drawn renewed scrutiny after the U.S. went to war with Iran, raising concerns about religious neutrality in the armed forces.
Chuck Norris, the martial artist and star of Walker, Texas Ranger, has died at 86, his family announced Friday. He rose to fame after a 1972 fight scene with Bruce Lee.
The US is considering removing sanctions on Iranian oil stranded on tankers at sea, a move that could be seen as a de-escalatory step and may affect global energy flows.
China will add 12 commercial banks to its e-CNY system as it moves the digital yuan from a cash alternative toward an interest-bearing deposit instrument, part of a wider push in the five-year plan.
Chinese researchers led by Yao Wei unveiled software that simulates supersonic scramjet combustion in about a week instead of years, a development tied to hypersonic system design.
A judge-led inquiry heard that residents in Tai Po were steered toward a convicted contractor amid widespread bid‑rigging, and that a consultant allegedly accepted a stipend to rubber‑stamp tenders.
Russian Urals crude has risen sharply amid the US‑Israel conflict with Iran, potentially benefiting Russia and other producers while posing wider implications for fuel and shipping costs in Panama and Latin America.
Donald Trump publicly attacked NATO allies as “cowards” and called the alliance a “paper tiger” over their lack of support in the US‑Israel war with Iran, urging help to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Chuck Norris, the martial arts grandmaster and star of Walker, Texas Ranger, has died at 86. His family called it a ‘sudden passing’ and requested privacy.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine needs “clear dates” for the next round of talks with Russia as Ukrainian negotiators prepare for discussions in the United States.
US Central Command said an F-35 made an emergency landing after a combat mission over Iran; Chinese analysts say EO/IR sensors likely exposed the stealth jet, marking the first known combat damage to an F-35.
Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit said in a broadcast interview she was “manipulated” by convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and accused him of extorting others. Her name appears in DOJ files released earlier this year.
Zelenskyy says Ukraine is sharing drone expertise with five countries facing attacks tied to Iran and is exploring a role in restoring security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Siobhan Haughey won the women’s 50m freestyle (24.41) at the China Open in Shenzhen, adding a 200m silver and following a 100m victory the night before, while Australia’s Cameron McEvoy set a new world record in the men’s sprint.
A draft Chinese finance law proposes tools to counter foreign sanctions, protect offshore assets and impose national security checks on financial data, with potential effects for offshore centers including Panama.
Senators met behind closed doors Thursday with White House border czar Tom Homan as they pursue a bipartisan path to end a Department of Homeland Security funding shutdown that began over a month ago.
Iran has warned it may target tourist sites worldwide and says missile production continues nearly three weeks into the war, after U.S.-Israeli strikes hit Iranian leaders and energy assets.
Al Jazeera reports experts say Gulf states need support amid attacks linked to Iran, but it is unclear what military or logistical help their allies can actually provide.
China’s exports of rare-earth permanent magnets to the U.S. fell to 994 tonnes in Jan-Feb, down about 22.5% year-on-year, marking a seventh straight month of decline as Washington and allies diversify supply chains.
InvestHK chief Alpha Lau urged Hong Kong to capitalise on its “safe haven” status to draw companies relocating from Dubai amid Middle East tensions, as firms weigh rising costs and uncertainty.