International reporting on events and trends that influence Panama and the region. Stories include geopolitics, diplomacy, and global developments.
Lee Geun-an, a notorious South Korean police officer dubbed the “torture expert,” died Thursday at 88 from multiple organ failure. His death is reviving renewed debate over torture and human rights abuses tied to the country’s military-backed authoritarian era.
A Malaysian politician from Sabah rejected Philippine remarks that linked the region to other countries’ oil and gas problems, saying “Sabah is not a commodity.” The statement warns against reviving outdated claims and stresses Sabah’s status within Malaysia’s sovereignty.
CRRC’s chief engineer says Hong Kong’s MTR use of mainland-made rail technology could serve as a “showcase” for overseas applications. He framed cooperation as more than equipment delivery, highlighting engineering synergy.
Rising fuel prices in Myanmar, linked to the Middle East war, are pushing more commuters to choose trains over planes and cars. AFP describes crowded Yangon-to-Naypyidaw journeys as travelers seek lower-cost transport options.
China is investigating Guo Yonghang, the former Communist Party secretary of Guangzhou, over alleged corruption. The probe is viewed as tied to Ma Xingrui, a former top Guangdong leader whose fate has been unclear since his sudden removal last July.
Austria plans to ban children under 14 from social media, joining a growing global push to limit minors’ online access. The move follows Australia’s 2024 restrictions on under-16 users.
Trump told a Saudi investment conference that a US-Israeli war on Iran will create a “new Middle East,” predicting it will soon be free from Iranian “nuclear blackmail.” His remarks link conflict outcomes to the region’s future security and investment outlook.
An Iran-linked energy shock has driven fuel queues and higher costs across Southeast Asia, prompting Thailand to restart mothballed coal plants. The disruption is renewing pressure on ASEAN to accelerate cross-border power-grid interconnections as a resilience strategy.
A year after the Trump administration’s DOGE cost-cutting efforts disrupted federal workers’ lives, PBS reports that it remains unclear what was actually saved. Employees say they want transparency about the results of the cuts and whether promised efficiencies materialized.
Henry Lee, the famed forensic scientist who gained global attention for his testimony in the O.J. Simpson trial, has died at 87. He also taught for more than 50 years at the University of New Haven.
Two students died and at least seven people were injured in a school bus crash in west Tennessee on Friday, officials said. Authorities are investigating the incident as families and communities respond to the tragedy.
Rescue workers in south Tehran are carrying out an urgent operation after a missile strike hit a building, extracting survivors and recovering bodies from the rubble. The incident highlights the severe risks missile attacks pose to civilians in densely populated areas.
Iran’s reported missile strike on Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base wounded at least 10 U.S. service members and damaged U.S. refuelling aircraft, U.S. officials said. Two troops were described as seriously injured.
Hong Kong remains highly competitive in global higher-education rankings, with QS reporting multiple local subjects among the world’s top 10, including a standout dentistry program. The results underscore the need for continued improvement as international education competition intensifies.
An Iranian missile attack on a Saudi air base wounded several U.S. service members and damaged multiple planes, a U.S. official said. The incident heightens regional security concerns and could have broader economic repercussions.
The Senate unanimously approved a deal to end the DHS shutdown for most of the agency, but Speaker Mike Johnson rejected it for lacking funding for ICE and Border Patrol. House Republicans are pursuing a new approach that could prolong the shutdown.
Houthis have warned they are “fingers on the trigger,” warning they can target major shipping lanes around the Arabian Peninsula as US and Israel continue their war involving Iran. The statement raises concerns about potential disruption to global maritime routes.
Hong Kong’s 2024-25 school-year report says about 94% of students fail to meet recommended moderate-to-vigorous exercise levels. Officials are urging stronger prevention efforts at home and in schools to protect children’s health earlier.
A pro-Iranian, pro-Palestinian hacking group claims it breached FBI Director Kash Patel’s email account. Meanwhile, Fulton County lawyers seek the return of 2020 election ballots seized in an FBI January raid as U.S. stocks end their worst week since the Iran war began.
President Trump said he doesn’t want Ukraine’s help with drone defense, but Gulf countries reportedly seek Ukraine’s guidance as drones reshape warfare. The shift highlights growing global demand for combat-tested counter-drone expertise.