Headlines- Israeli airstrikes on the towns of Maaroub, al-Abassiyah, and Tayr Debba in the Tyre district of southern Lebanon resulted in 11 deaths, including a paramedic, and 8 injuries.
- The Persian Gulf Strait Authority, which Iran created to oversee and charge for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, has been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department.
- During a phone conversation with President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon on Friday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio "reiterated that Hizballah is entirely responsible for the ongoing fighting" in the country..
- Hamas denounced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's announcement of plans to expand its territorial control of the Gaza Strip as a "blatant violation."
- A bill that bans funding LGBTQ organizations and activities and imposes prison sentences of up to 10 years for those who support, sponsor, or promote LGBTQ conduct was enacted by Ghana's parliament on Friday.
- As Peter Magyar núpledges reform, the EU unblocks €16 billion for Hungary.
Tag: News and Views
Quad’s Fiji Port Plan Will Challenge...
A plan by the United States, Japan, India and Australia to collaboratively invest in port infrastructure in Fiji is a step towards challenging China’s hegemony over supply chains in the region while simultaneously signaling to Pacific island countries that the four regional powers can give them a better deal than Beijing can, experts told Radio Free Asia.
Military Buildup Triggers Housing Crisis in...
Housing costs are skyrocketing in Guam due to military buildup and a surge in military personnel in the U.S. territory. According to the U.S. Navy, the active duty population is expected to surge from 17,000 in 2024 to 24,000 in 2033, due to the relocation of marine units from Okinawa, Japan.
EXPLAINED: Why Taiwan Wants U.S. Weapons...
With Taiwan hoping for swift delivery of a US$14 billion weapons sale approved by the U.S. Congress in January, a U.S. official said last week in a Senate hearing that foreign military sales are on pause to protect munitions stockpiles as conflict in Iran continues.
Satellite Imagery Shows New North Korea-Russia...
Satellite imagery has revealed that North Korea and Russia are scrambling to complete a new high-capacity road bridge across their Tumen River border, and experts told Radio Free Asia that the fervor for completing the project quickly is a sign of increased cooperation and warm relations between Pyongyang and Moscow.
Xi-Trump Talks Cast Fresh Spotlight on...
Chinese President Xi Jinping used his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump last week to reiterate that Taiwan remains the most sensitive issue in U.S.-China relations, and analysts told Radio Free Asia that the Taiwan issue will be front and center according to Beijing’s latest Five-Year plan.
‘Seismic Shift’ Toward Aussie Orbit Likely...
The Solomon Islands’ choice of longtime opposition leader Matthew Wale as its new prime minister could be a sign that a diplomatic shift toward Canberra is likely, while the Pacific island nation still engages moderately with Beijing, experts told Radio Free Asia.
Ending Chinese Visa-Free Travel May Hurt...
A growing push in Washington to restrict Chinese travel to the Northern Mariana Islands could kneecap economic recovery in the U.S. territory as it rebuilds from the havoc left last month by Super Typhoon Sinlaku, analysts and residents told Radio Free Asia.
Perspective: Be Wary of China Twisting...
During U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to China, pay special attention to China’s track record of manipulating information. The Chinese government has distorted the statements of foreign visitors and used them to serve its own rule over the people under its control.
Satellite Imagery Shows Philippine Construction on...
The Philippines is actively upgrading facilities on two islands it controls in the disputed Spratly chain in the South China Sea, satellite images reviewed by Radio Free Asia revealed.
Filipino Man Tells RFA How He...
Desperate for a new source of income because his business was failing, a Filipino man in his mid-20s answered an online advertisement in 2024 for what he thought was a U.S.-based publication looking for a writer focusing on Philippine defense.