Author: Rachel Maddow

Rising Tensions Over Northern Gulf Waters A fresh maritime dispute has emerged between Kuwait and Iraq after Baghdad submitted new coordinates and a map to the United Nations, claiming waters that Kuwait considers its own, including the Fasht al-Qaid and Fasht al-Aij shoals. The northern Gulf remains a crucial area for shipping and offshore resources, and the latest claims have reignited long-standing tensions in the region. Strong Regional Support for Kuwait Neighboring Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman, have voiced strong backing for Kuwait, calling for respect for international law. Saudi Arabia noted…

Supreme Court Ruling Sparks Uncertainty European Parliament negotiators have paused the EU-US trade agreement after last week’s US Supreme Court decision questioned the legality of certain 2025 tariffs imposed by Washington. Following the ruling, President Donald Trump announced new 15% duties on imports, further complicating the implementation of the pact. German MEP Bernd Lange, chair of the parliamentary trade committee, said the legal situation “has totally changed,” adding that the EU needs clear assurances from the United States before moving forward. European Parliament Seeks Firm Guarantees The 2025 deal, negotiated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Trump…

Budapest Demands Pipeline Repairs Before Supporting Sanctions Hungary has announced it will block the EU’s 20th sanctions package against Russia until Ukraine restores oil deliveries to the country. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán told the Energy Security Council that EU funding, including the €90 billion war loan to Ukraine, should not proceed while Hungary’s oil supply remains cut off. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó confirmed the move, citing the need for Ukraine to repair the Druzhba pipeline, damaged in a Russian strike, before Budapest will lift its objection. Szijjártó added that the new sanctions package is scheduled to be adopted by EU…

Tariffs Raised Following Supreme Court Ruling US President Donald Trump announced an immediate increase of global tariffs from 10% to 15%, just a day after the Supreme Court struck down his sweeping use of emergency powers to impose them. Trump said the move was necessary to protect American interests and described the court’s decision as “poorly written” and “anti-American,” insisting other legal avenues remain open to enforce trade protections. Legal Limits and Alternative Measures The Supreme Court ruled 6–3 that only Congress has the authority to levy taxes, including tariffs, emphasizing that the Constitution does not grant the president taxing…

Court Limits Executive Power The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday blocked Donald Trump’s broad global tariffs, ruling that the president overstepped his authority by invoking emergency powers. In a 6–3 decision, the justices said the Constitution clearly grants Congress — not the president — the power to impose taxes, including tariffs. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that the Framers never intended the executive branch to wield that taxing authority. Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented, arguing the tariffs were legally justified regardless of policy considerations. The ruling represents the first major test of Trump’s wider agenda to…

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to a police statement. Officers also carried out searches at properties in Berkshire and Norfolk as part of the investigation. Although authorities did not name him directly, they confirmed that a man in his sixties remains in custody. Mountbatten-Windsor marked his 66th birthday the same day. Police emphasized the need to safeguard the integrity of their inquiry, noting the intense public attention surrounding the case. They said updates would be provided when appropriate. Unmarked police vehicles were seen outside Sandringham in Norfolk, where Mountbatten-Windsor has been staying…

Countries Move to Prevent Price Surges EU member states have agreed to reinforce a mechanism designed to prevent sudden spikes in carbon prices as the bloc prepares to launch a new carbon tax covering cars, vans, and buildings. The updated system, known as ETS2, is scheduled to take effect in 2028, and the changes aim to keep the carbon price stable and predictable for households and businesses relying on fossil fuels. While Slovakia and the Czech Republic have pushed to delay the tax until 2030 due to concerns about its social impact, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg have…

EU Prepares Full Ban on Tanker Services The European Union is signaling that it may move forward with a complete ban on maritime services for Russian oil tankers, even if G7 partners cannot agree on a coordinated approach. Valdis Dombrovskis, speaking after a meeting of EU finance ministers in Brussels, stressed that while alignment with the G7 is preferable, it is not an “absolute precondition” for action. The measure is part of the EU’s 20th package of sanctions against Russia, expected to be approved by 24 February — the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. If enacted, EU…

Seattle’s startup ecosystem is gaining traction as local companies in project management and defense-related tech secure major investment rounds that signal strong investor interest in the region. Investors are backing emerging firms that focus on secure collaboration tools and advanced technology for national security and other high-stakes sectors, showing confidence in Seattle startup funding success and innovation. A notable example of Seattle startup funding success is Integrate, a local company that recently raised $17 million in a Series A funding round. The capital will help the firm expand its super‑secure project management platform, which is designed to support classified and…

White House Endorsement Highlighted in Budapest U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Budapest to publicly show support for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as his ruling Fidesz party faces a tight race ahead of April elections. Speaking alongside Orbán after the Munich Security Conference, Rubio emphasized the personal connection Orbán has built with President Donald Trump, calling it key to strengthening bilateral relations. Rubio cited tangible benefits of that relationship, including Hungary’s recent one-year exemption from U.S. sanctions on Russian oil importers. “It was because of that personal relationship. It’s because we want you to continue. After all, we…