Category: Americas
Coverage of geopolitics, international relations, and current affairs from across the Americas, including U.S. foreign policy, Latin American politics, trade, security, and cross-border diplomacy.
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Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has criticised the United States’ oil embargo and expanded sanctions, describing Washington’s policy as “political genocide” during a speech marking the 73rd anniversary of the 1953 attack that launched Cuba’s revolution. The address comes as US-Cuba relations remain strained under the Trump administration. Díaz-Canel rejected recent US allegations that Cuba had…
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Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has launched Kiiraay–The Republican Patriots, formalising his split with former ally Ousmane Sonko and reshaping Senegal’s political landscape. Speaking in Dakar, President Faye said the new party would prioritise ethics, transparency and institutions over personalities, while remaining open to citizens committed to public service. Key developments: ℹ️ Al Jazeera Follow…
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US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth defended the Trump administration’s emergency defence funding request during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, where Senator Kirsten Gillibrand questioned the administration’s public statements on Iran and the continued cost of the conflict. Gillibrand argued that previous assertions about Iran’s military capabilities appeared inconsistent, citing earlier claims that Iran’s nuclear…
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During remarks at the White House on Tuesday (21 Jul), US President Donald Trump said the administration’s newly announced tariffs on selected Canadian imports were not linked to recent wildfire smoke affecting parts of the United States. Asked whether the measures were a response to the wildfires, Trump replied: “No, no, no. That’s separate. We’re…
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Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has announced that the country will no longer hold elections, stating there will be no future opportunity for opposition groups to contest power after his current term ends in 2027. Speaking during commemorations of the 1979 Sandinista revolution, Ortega said the decision would prevent opposition parties from returning to government. He…
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US President Donald Trump has signed three proclamations under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, introducing additional 50% tariffs on selected Canadian imports. The White House said the measures respond to what it described as Canada’s discriminatory treatment of US exports, including vehicles, alcohol and dairy products. The tariffs will take effect in…
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US President Donald Trump has threatened new tariffs on Canada, accusing the country of negligence as wildfire smoke from hundreds of active blazes spread across large parts of the northern United States. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said climate change is a shared responsibility, while Ontario Premier Doug Ford defended Canada’s response and called for…
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Puerto Rico has introduced water rationing measures as worsening drought conditions add to existing water supply challenges across the US territory. Luis González, Executive President of the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority, said thousands of residents in Canóvanas and Río Grande will face 48-hour water rationing from Friday (17 Jul), with additional areas potentially…
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The Trump administration has announced a 25% tariff on imports from Brazil, citing concerns over trade practices, digital payments, intellectual property and environmental policies. The US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said negotiations with Brasília had failed to resolve the issues raised by Washington. The tariffs are expected to take effect later in 2026. Key developments:…
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Cuba’s national power grid has collapsed for the third time in less than 10 days, leaving around 10 million people without electricity and highlighting the country’s deepening energy crisis. According to the state-run electricity company UNE and Cuba’s Ministry of Energy and Mines, the entire electricity system disconnected at around 11am local time on Tuesday.…