From New York to London, Melbourne to Amsterdam, evidence of Chinese influence operations is emerging, raising concerns about Beijing’s efforts to shape foreign policy and public opinion in its favor. This article explores the tactics employed by China, including the use of ‘magic weapons’ – agents embedded in political offices, academia, and public life – to advance its agenda.
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia in July, 35 Indian nationals have been discharged from the Russian Army, with 50 more still serving. The Indian government is actively working to secure their release, following concerns about their recruitment into combat roles in Ukraine.
Iran’s newly elected president, Masoud Pezeshkian, embarked on his first foreign visit to neighboring Iraq, aiming to strengthen already close ties between the two nations. This trip comes amidst heightened tensions in the Middle East due to the Gaza conflict and the ongoing war in Ukraine, as well as the impact of US-led sanctions on Iran’s economy. Pezeshkian’s visit highlights the strategic importance of Iran-Iraq relations, particularly in trade and energy, and signals a potential shift in Iran’s foreign policy under his leadership.
A new report by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) warns that Iran is nearing the completion of a nuclear bomb, potentially before the next U.S. presidential election. The FDD urges immediate action from the Biden administration, including deploying U.S. troops, declassifying intelligence, and strengthening alliances to counter Iran’s nuclear program.
President Biden’s recent speech on his ‘Investing in America’ agenda has been met with widespread skepticism and criticism, highlighting concerns about his leadership capabilities and the lack of clear direction for the nation. The article explores the perception of Biden’s diminishing influence on the global stage, drawing comparisons to former President Trump’s decisive actions and questioning the effectiveness of the current administration’s foreign policy. It further criticizes the lack of accountability and transparency surrounding decisions made by the administration, raising the question of who is truly running the country.
Former President Donald Trump has expressed growing concerns about the possibility of World War III, blaming the current administration’s handling of international affairs. He criticized Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden’s policies, highlighting the rearming of Japan in response to China’s actions as a sign of escalating tensions. Trump, a potential Republican presidential candidate, believes a swift resolution to these global conflicts is crucial to avoid a major war.
Russia’s Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has revealed that the country views Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris as a more predictable opponent than Donald Trump, despite no expectations of improved relations between the two nations. This perception comes after Harris played a key role in a prisoner-swap deal with Russia and as the Biden administration continues to tighten sanctions against Russia.
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) launched a scathing attack on Vice President Kamala Harris, calling her a ‘wrecking ball’ on foreign policy and blaming her for the deaths of six American hostages in Gaza. He also urged President Biden and Israel to take aggressive action against Iran, holding them responsible for the fate of the remaining hostages. Graham’s comments come amid growing tensions over the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the plight of hostages held by Hamas.
Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has outlined her policy positions on key issues in her first major interview since accepting the nomination, revealing a tougher stance on immigration and continued support for Israel’s armament. Harris’s comments come amidst a surge in support and campaign donations following her nomination and highlight her key policy differences with incumbent President Donald Trump.
Vinay Mohan Kwatra, former Foreign Secretary, has assumed the role of India’s Ambassador to the United States. He succeeds Taranjit Singh Sandhu and will focus on strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations. Kwatra brings extensive experience in foreign policy and has held key positions in the Ministry of External Affairs and the Prime Minister’s Office.
