CONFLICT IN MIDDLE EAST Trump says Hormuz Strait to reopen Friday under US-Iran deal Today 14:06 Reopening of vital oil route would mark a major step toward ending months of deadly conflict and economic turmoil triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February.
BEYOND THE HEADLINES It’s a small World (Cup) II: The geopolitics of football 13-06-2026 05:41 No host nation has won in this century, while there were no less than six home triumphs in the 16 tournaments of the previous century. The so-called World Cup is a Euro-American monopoly – will a new champion emerge from the record 48 competitors? by Michael Soltys
AS I SEE IT Donald Trump and his Ukrainian bête noire 13-06-2026 05:34 Hard as it is for Trump to stomach, Zelenskyy has greatly distinguished himself as a war leader. As for Trump, unless he is very lucky, he could find his name permanently attached to a deal with the Iranians that will bring to mind Neville Chamberlain. by James Neilson
FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 FIFA boss Gianni Infantino tries to sidestep World Cup controversies 11-06-2026 00:52 Under-fire FIFA boss defends tenure as globe’s favourite football tournament kicks off with highest-ever World Cup ticket prices; Infantino plays down Trump tensions after ejection of Somali referee, avoids giving answers at press conference.
WORLD CUP 2026 Trump says will attend World Cup matches as kick off nears 10-06-2026 14:47 World Cup kick off dogged by off-field distractions ranging from sky-high ticket prices to an immigration crackdown that has seen fans, team officials and a top Somali referee barred from entering the United States.
THE POLITICS OF FOOTBALL World Cup nears kick off after pre-tournament turbulence 09-06-2026 09:59 The World Cup kicks off on Thursday with FIFA betting that the enduring appeal of the greatest footballing show on earth can overcome geopolitical tensions and ticket price fury.
Unrest in Bolivia Bolivian President Paz says 'narco-terrorists' behind crippling protests 09-06-2026 09:21 Protestors are demanding that US-backed President Rodrigo Paz's fledgling government tackle a deep economic crisis, others are demanding he step down.
Brazil election 2026 Trump looms large over Brazil's presidential election 09-06-2026 09:13 Given Trump's track record of throwing his weight behind his Latin American allies, a similar intervention in Brazil appears likely.
AGRICULTURE & ECONOMY Jan de Nul wins contract to dig Argentina’s US$10-billion waterway 05-06-2026 10:25 Belgian dredger Jan de Nul NV and local partner Servimagnus SA win 25-year contract to upgrade Argentina's chief trade route in a concession overshadowed by accusations of Chinese influence.
AS I SEE IT Donald Trump and his doppelgänger 30-05-2026 05:12 Did Trump make a historic blunder when he chose to join Israel in what began as an attempt to overthrow the Iranian dictatorship? by James Neilson
Trump eyeing Havana? US indicts former Cuban president Raúl Castro as pressure builds 20-05-2026 17:45 US Justice Department charges influential former president Raúl Castro over deadly 1996 downing of two civilian planes; Move reignites speculation that Trump will move for regime change in Cuba.
Dredging bid row KKR consortium warns White House of ‘bias’ in US$10bn Argentina auction 19-05-2026 21:30 A consortium of dredging companies backed by KKR & Co complains to Trump administration, alleging in unfair conditions in bidding process for pivotal contract in Argentina.
AMERICAS Trump posts graphic of Venezuela as 51st US state 13-05-2026 11:01 Interim leader Delcy Rodríguez says Venezuela has "never" contemplated becoming the 51st US state, as suggested by US President Donald Trump.
OPINION & ANALYSIS OAPs: Old Age Presidents 12-05-2026 14:39 US presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden were both criticised for being too old to serve as heads of government, as has Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brazil. But India’s Narendra Modi, at the youthful age of 75, is also older and does not face the same questioning. Old age appears to hold a different value, depending on the culture in question. But is old age an obstacle to being a good leader? by Sabrina Chemen
PRESIDENT IN UNITED STATES Milei to investors: ‘American dream is being reborn in US and Argentina’ 07-05-2026 00:45 President tells Milken Institute conference the "American dream" is being reborn under his government and to "bet on Argentina."
US-ARGENTINA RELATIONS Trump gives Milei another boost, ups Argentina’s IP rating 06-05-2026 22:53 United States government improves Argentina’s ratings for the protection of and respect for intellectual property rights for first time in three decades.
AS I SEE IT When political rhetoric boils over 02-05-2026 00:35 The US may not be heading towards a full-blown civil war, but unless its leaders, especially Trump, tone down their rhetoric, it could soon see a repeat of the 1960s by James Neilson
PRESS FREEDOM WORLDWIDE Reporters Without Borders: Press freedom at lowest level in 25 years 30-04-2026 14:39 Argentina falls 11 places in annual ranking, now in 98th place; Press freedom at lowest level in 25 years, says media watchdog RSF; More than half of countries facing “difficult” or “very serious” situation.
AS I SEE IT The President and the Pope 25-04-2026 06:31 Trump was paying the pontiff a compliment by taking him seriously. Instead of treating Leo’s remarks as the maunderings of an unworldly holy man who should be praised for his idealism and then ignored, as so many regularly do, he thought the Pope’s allusions were worth responding to. by James Neilson
MALVINAS SOVEREIGNTY DISPUTE UK insists Malvinas sovereignty is unchanged after US threat 24-04-2026 10:39 Leaked Pentagon email suggested the US would review the territory’s position as punishment for Britain’s lack of support on the war in Iran.
TRADE & COMMERCE Mercosur to reconsider Venezuela’s membership, Brazil says 23-04-2026 11:36 Mercosur is set to discuss Venezuela’s possible return to the South American trade bloc as countries warm to Caracas following Nicolás Maduro's ouster.
DIPLOMATIC ROW US and Chinese envoys in Argentina clash over influence in region 22-04-2026 15:33 Chinese Embassy in Argentina accuses US Ambassador Peter Lamelas of “ideological prejudices” and defamation after Washington’s envoy warned about advance of Asian giant.
HUMAN RIGHTS Amnesty warns of ‘predatory’ world order as leaders fuel crisis 21-04-2026 11:39 Human rights group says global protection system built over last 80 years faces potential collapse as governments fail to act against abuses; Amnesty's chief warns Trump, Putin and Netanyahu are "predators" and must not be appeased.
Foreign policy & diplomacy Milei heads to Israel as Middle East ceasefire clock ticks down 17-04-2026 15:40 Visit to the Western Wall, meetings, ceremonies and the nation’s highest honour – Milei’s schedule in Israel; Presidential delegation departs this Saturday at 11am.
BEYOND THE HEADLINES Is right right or a write-off? 17-04-2026 15:24 With Orban losing power and Trump upbraiding Meloni for sticking up for Pope Leo against his insults, President Javier Milei finds himself in a shrinking club. by Michael Soltys
INTERVIEW: PRESS FREEDOM Thibaut Bruttin: 'Trump playbook' is 'dangerous' example for press in Latin America 16-04-2026 15:44 Director of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) press organisation says that Donald Trump's approach to the media could colour the behaviour of ideologically aligned leaders across Latin America.
IMF AGREEMENT Trump support collides with IMF caution over Argentina programme 16-04-2026 10:18 “Outstanding measures” required before the deal is taken to the Board. Trump’s support and pressure contrasts with a technical team that has worsened Argentina's inflation outlook and is calling for greater exchange-rate flexibility. by Eugenia Muzio
OPINION & ANALYSIS Orbán, the global far right and Milei’s moment 14-04-2026 14:46 The defeat of Hungary’s populist prime minister marks a setback for parties across the right-wing MAGA spectrum – Trump included. by Walter Curia
AS I SEE IT Did the ayatollahs get one over on Trump? 11-04-2026 06:49 Even though Trump is desperately looking for an excuse to call it quits, he could change his mind yet again when it dawns on him that the remnants of the Iranian regime are making him look like a loser. by James Neilson
WAR IN MIDDLE EAST Israel vows to fight on as Trump grants Iran ceasefire 09-04-2026 11:59 United States and Iran agree a ceasefire and are due to launch talks in Pakistan aimed at reaching a longer-term deal, but crucial sticking points remain.
WAR IN MIDDLE EAST Trump warns 'whole civilization will die' in Iran if ultimatum expires 07-04-2026 10:26 Trump warns US military will bomb Iran's bridges, power plants and other civilian infrastructure into the "stone age."
GUEST COLUMN Perspectives and trends for Argentina in the current global context 04-04-2026 18:18 What started as a demonstration of power became, in a matter of weeks, a factor of internal instability. by Gustavo Vera
ANALYSIS Vaca Muerta turns global oil shock into opportunity for Argentina 03-04-2026 06:38 Argentina’s shale boom is reshaping its economy. Rising global energy prices were once a historic vulnerability, now they’re into a growing source of external strength. by Santiago del Carril
GEOPOLITICS – ANALYSIS The war with Iran may be ushering in a new nuclear age 30-03-2026 11:29 From the North Atlantic to the West Pacific, governments are debating more publicly than before whether they, too, must get the nuclear bomb.
GLOBAL ENERGY MARKET Oil surge elicits tough love from Trump’s Latin American allies 29-03-2026 10:23 The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz is rippling beyond Asia. Though Latin America is far from the key oil and gas artery that’s been mostly choked off by Iran, it’s still heavily exposed to oil price volatility.
WAR IN MIDDLE EAST Trump takes a breath, pushes back Iran energy strikes deadline 26-03-2026 18:46 US president extends energy-attack ceasefire, citing Iran request; Trump says talks with the country are going “very well,” though doubts over extent of negotiations remain.
VENEZUELAN LEADER IN COURT Maduro appears in US court as legal team fights narco-terrorism case 26-03-2026 15:48 Ousted Venezuelan leader pleads not guilty, declares himself a "prisoner of war," as legal team calls for dismissal of case.
ECONOMY / LATIN AMERICA Paraguay, underdog Trump ally in Latin America, becomes an investor magnet 20-03-2026 10:19 Entrepreneurs flock to Paraguay from across the region as sleek towers rise above the once-sleepy capital and its conservative president cozies up to the US.
MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT Iran says US, Israel struck giant gas field as war escalates 18-03-2026 10:08 Israel and the United States maintain bombardment of Iran; Tehran launched fresh waves of missiles and drones at the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait after confirming the assassination of its security chief, Ali Larijani.
CRISIS IN CUBA Trump vows to 'take' Cuba as island reels from oil embargo 16-03-2026 19:23 "I do believe I'll be...having the honor of taking Cuba," Trump tells reporters at the White House.
VENEZUELAN ECONOMY Venezuela’s 600% inflation undercuts Trump’s boasts of revival 16-03-2026 10:17 Life has only gotten harder for Venezuelans in the two months since Trump removed Maduro from power.
US IN LATIN AMERICA Ecuador launches two weeks of US-backed anti-drug operations 16-03-2026 10:07 Two-week crackdown deploys 75,000 troops as Washington deepens security partnership;
AS I SEE IT Facing the Islamist challenge 14-03-2026 06:52 Will Trump and Netanyahu be satisfied with something less than “regime change”? Or are they dead set on continuing the war until the ayatollahs and their brutal enforcers have been replaced by a pro-Western government? by James Neilson
BEYOND THE HEADLINES No inertia with Persia 14-03-2026 06:46 The 90 million Persians are very self-consciously not Arabs – ethnically, they are Indo-European, not Semitic while their Farsi language is fairly unintelligible for speakers of Arabic, far less overlap than, say, between Russian and Polish. by Michael Soltys
WAR IN IRAN Middle East war set to rage on as Iran's new leader breaks silence 12-03-2026 18:25 Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, signals he won’t back down in the Middle East war in his first public comments since succeeding his assassinated father.
FEATURE Oil expats desperately needed in Venezuela don't want to go home 12-03-2026 11:20 Expats are torn between a desire to rebuild their homeland and preserving the hard-won prosperity they’ve achieved abroad, for themselves and their families.
GLOBAL OIL MARKET Middle East oil shock is ‘largest supply disruption’ in history, IEA says 12-03-2026 10:56 Iran launches new wave of attacks; Strait of Hormuz – through which a fifth of global crude passes – effectively shut down; Oil prices soar, trading above US$100; International Energy Agency bemoans "largest supply disruption in history of global oil market.”
WAR IN MIDDLE EAST Iran warns of long war that would 'destroy' world economy 11-03-2026 17:47 Iran's Revolutionary Guard vows to target "economic centres and banks" that it deems linked to US and Israeli interests; US President Donald Trump said the conflict would end "soon," as Tehran effectively closes off Strait of Hormuz.
NEW ERA IN CHILE Chile’s new President Kast to signal swift alignment with Trump 11-03-2026 14:21 Kast’s new administration plans to sign broad agreements with the United States to boost cooperation on critical minerals and security matters.
ENERGY, FINANCE & GEOPOLITICS Milei reactivates dams, consolidating strategic rapprochement with China 11-03-2026 09:36 Argentina’s government has confirmed that work on the hydroelectric complex on the Santa Cruz river – which has been paralysed since Javier Milei came to power – has resumed. The project, integrally financed by Chinese banks and implemented by the Gezhouba company, returns to the agenda amid an uptick in the relations between Buenos Aires and Beijing. by Carlos Burgueño