Author: tut0ugh
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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered a forceful address on Europe’s security and Britain’s global role at the Munich Security Conference 2026 on Saturday (14 February). Starmer emphasised the need to build hard power, stating: “We must be able to deter aggression, and yes, if necessary, we must be ready to fight, to do whatever…
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Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State, told leaders at the Munich Security Conference 2026 that Washington seeks closer transatlantic cooperation while prioritising national sovereignty. Rubio said the United States, under Donald Trump, aims for global “renewal and restoration”, adding, “While we are prepared… to do this alone, it is our preference… to do this together…
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Leaders are gathering in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the annual summit of the African Union, as analysts highlight rising concerns over governance, youth inclusion, and democratic standards across the continent. Analysts warn the AU faces a legitimacy challenge as Africa’s young population questions its effectiveness in addressing coups, disputed elections, and economic hardship worsened by…
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France’s President Emmanuel Macron has urged European nations to strengthen long-term defence planning, declaring that “Europe has to learn to become a geopolitical power.” Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Macron called for deeper strategic autonomy, including developing deep-strike capabilities and reviewing how France’s nuclear deterrent could support wider European security. He warned that Europe…
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Donald Trump has confirmed plans to deploy a second US aircraft carrier to the Middle East, warning it could support military action against Iran if nuclear negotiations fail. “In case we don’t make a deal, we’ll need it,” Trump told reporters at the White House before flying to North Carolina to address troops at Fort…
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The UK governments ban on pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation has been ruled unlawful by the High Court of England and Wales, though the ban remains while the government appeals. The group was proscribed in July 2025 after targeting Israel-linked defence firms, including Elbit Systems, and following a break-in at RAF Brize…
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World leaders at the Munich Security Conference debated reforms to the global order, reflecting growing tensions over multilateral cooperation and global governance. During a panel discussion titled ‘Breaking Point: The International Order Between Reform and Destruction,’ Kaja Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission, stressed that “all states are equal” within international institutions. She argued that…
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz opened the Munich Security Conference 2026, warning that “together we have entered an era marked by big power politics”, as global security tensions reshape alliances and governance structures. Merz said a growing rift has emerged with the United States but stressed Europe is “not writing off” NATO and should pursue a…
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Syria expects economic growth to approach 10% in 2026 following the easing of United States sanctions, according to Finance Minister Mohamed Yisr Barnieh. Officials cite improved stability, returning skilled diaspora workers, and new foreign investment as key drivers. The recovery follows the 2024 removal of former president Bashar Al-Assad, with President Ahmed al-Sharaa strengthening Western…
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The United States and Taiwan have signed a new trade agreement reducing tariffs across multiple sectors, strengthening semiconductor supply chains and bilateral trade. President Donald Trump Donald Trump confirmed tariffs on Taiwanese exports will fall to 15%, linked to a $250bn Taiwanese investment in US semiconductor manufacturing. The deal aligns Taiwan’s tariff rate with those…
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