July 25, 2026
This Iran War Escalation Could Crash the Global Oil Market
Saudi Arabia vs. UAE: How the Iran War Deepened This Gulf Rivalry | Mapped Out
July 25, 2026 | Saudi Arabia and the US have announced a nuclear deal that has rocked the Gulf. The landmark agreement would establish a civilian nuclear program in Saudi Arabia with the help of US companies. Critics fear it could lead to Saudi Arabia developing nuclear weapons or even set off a nuclear arms race in the Gulf.
This deal is likely to be a new layer of a deep-seated and bitter rivalry in the Gulf, between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The UAE already has a nuclear deal with the US, albeit a less extensive one.
The news of this controversial deal follows attacks from Iran on the Gulf in the context of the US-Israeli war on Iran. This war has transformed the Gulf and sharpened the Saudi-UAE rivalry further.
The countries' leaders Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) of Saudi Arabia and Mohammed bin Zayed (MbZ) of the UAE used to be bros, but their race to dominate the Gulf has soured the relationship.
From trying to build the biggest skyscraper like Burh Khalifa and Jeddah Tower, to buying up football clubs like Manchester City and Newcastle United, Saudi Arabia and the UAE will compete on anything. But this competition is fuelling conflicts in Sudan and Yemen with devastating human consequences.
As the US withdraws from its role as security guarantor in the region, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are scrambling to align themselves with new partners. The UAE is particularly working with Israel and might even be building and sharing military facilities with them in the Horn of Africa, particularly in Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia.
Can these neighbors find any common ground — or might this rivalry and the possible new nuclear deal split the Middle East even more?
This deal is likely to be a new layer of a deep-seated and bitter rivalry in the Gulf, between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The UAE already has a nuclear deal with the US, albeit a less extensive one.
The news of this controversial deal follows attacks from Iran on the Gulf in the context of the US-Israeli war on Iran. This war has transformed the Gulf and sharpened the Saudi-UAE rivalry further.
The countries' leaders Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) of Saudi Arabia and Mohammed bin Zayed (MbZ) of the UAE used to be bros, but their race to dominate the Gulf has soured the relationship.
From trying to build the biggest skyscraper like Burh Khalifa and Jeddah Tower, to buying up football clubs like Manchester City and Newcastle United, Saudi Arabia and the UAE will compete on anything. But this competition is fuelling conflicts in Sudan and Yemen with devastating human consequences.
As the US withdraws from its role as security guarantor in the region, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are scrambling to align themselves with new partners. The UAE is particularly working with Israel and might even be building and sharing military facilities with them in the Horn of Africa, particularly in Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia.
Can these neighbors find any common ground — or might this rivalry and the possible new nuclear deal split the Middle East even more?
Pulitzer Winner Ada Ferrer Explains What Exile Really Means | The Moment Podcast
Jul 22, 2026 | For Ada Ferrer, making sense of the ties between the United States and Cuba has always been personal. Brought to New Jersey as a baby, she became an immigrant before she could even talk, joining what is now a diaspora of over 2.9 million people. Ferrer went on to become one of the country's leading historians of the Caribbean island and a Pulitzer Prize-winning author.
Ferrer joins Jorge and Paola to unpack the latest chapter in the decades-long relationship between the two countries and what the worst-case scenario could be for Cubans. They also discuss her new book, Keeper of My Kin: Memoir of an Immigrant Daughter, tracing her own family history from slavery to the pursuit of the American Dream.
Ferrer joins Jorge and Paola to unpack the latest chapter in the decades-long relationship between the two countries and what the worst-case scenario could be for Cubans. They also discuss her new book, Keeper of My Kin: Memoir of an Immigrant Daughter, tracing her own family history from slavery to the pursuit of the American Dream.
Rob Groves: Burnham's Brexit Reset vs the Farage Clause
July 24, 2026
Michael Lambert: Starmer's Dithering and Indecision Is Why He Had to Go
July 24, 2026 | Keir Starmer was meant to bring stability and clear direction to the UK. Instead, his time as Prime Minister has been defined by endless dithering, policy U-turns, and a reliance on vacuous focus-group slogans.
In this video, I break down why Starmer's premiership will likely be remembered as one of the most ineffective in recent memory. From his failure to address the economic consequences of Brexit to his reactionary approach to immigration and law and order, it’s clear that he never had an idea and didn’t have a clue.
What did you make of Starmer's time in office? Did he deliver on any of his promises, or was it just more of the same?
Even though I am no longer a smoker, I shall never forgive Starmer for introducing a law banning smoking for adults. This is not about health. Of course, smoking is not a healthy habit, but there are very many other unhealthy habits which people indulge in which are not banned. So why single out smoking? Drinking alcohol is also not healthy. Should we ban that too?
The main reason why I am particularly against banning smoking for adults is because such a law is utterly undemocratic and totally infantilizing. Only a left-winger, or an idiot who doesn’t understand the meaning of democracy, could ever come up with such a stupid, ludicrous, unworkable law. — © Mark Alexander
In this video, I break down why Starmer's premiership will likely be remembered as one of the most ineffective in recent memory. From his failure to address the economic consequences of Brexit to his reactionary approach to immigration and law and order, it’s clear that he never had an idea and didn’t have a clue.
What did you make of Starmer's time in office? Did he deliver on any of his promises, or was it just more of the same?
Even though I am no longer a smoker, I shall never forgive Starmer for introducing a law banning smoking for adults. This is not about health. Of course, smoking is not a healthy habit, but there are very many other unhealthy habits which people indulge in which are not banned. So why single out smoking? Drinking alcohol is also not healthy. Should we ban that too?
The main reason why I am particularly against banning smoking for adults is because such a law is utterly undemocratic and totally infantilizing. Only a left-winger, or an idiot who doesn’t understand the meaning of democracy, could ever come up with such a stupid, ludicrous, unworkable law. — © Mark Alexander
Argentina: Inflation Crashes, Poverty Rises, Inside Javier Milei's Revolution | Documentary - JV
Even though I have no crystal ball, as an economics major, I will make a prediction (which I have made before)… This reckless experiment in anarcho-capitalism will end in tears. It will fail. This is not what I wish for the Argentinian people. They deserve better. But I cannot see how this radical experiment can possibly work. Time might prove me wrong, of course; but I doubt it. — © Mark Alexander
July 23, 2026
Google Hit With $1 Billion Fine for Abusing Its Power in Europe
THE NEW YORK TIMES: At a tense moment for trans-Atlantic trade, the European Union accused Google of anti-competitive business practices.
In a decision likely to intensify trans-Atlantic trade tensions, European Union regulators on Thursday hit Google with a $1 billion fine for illegally undercutting competition through its dominance as a search engine.
President Trump has previously threatened to retaliate against the European Union for what he views as the unfair targeting of American technology companies. The Google decision comes when he is weighing a new batch of tariffs on the European Union and other major trading partners.
In explaining Thursday’s fine of 890 million euros, regulators in Brussels said Google had used its position as the world’s largest search engine to unfairly boost its services in areas like shopping, travel, games and language translation. Google displayed its own services more prominently at the top of search results, while relegating competing services farther down the page, according to regulators.
The European Commission, which conducted the investigation, also concluded that the tech giant used unfair restrictions on its Google Play app store that prevent app developers from communicating with users, or conducting transactions that could reduce the fees Google can collect. » | Adam Satariano and Jeanna Smialek | Adam Satariano reported from London and Jeanna Smialek from Brussels. | Thursday, July 23, 2026
In a decision likely to intensify trans-Atlantic trade tensions, European Union regulators on Thursday hit Google with a $1 billion fine for illegally undercutting competition through its dominance as a search engine.
President Trump has previously threatened to retaliate against the European Union for what he views as the unfair targeting of American technology companies. The Google decision comes when he is weighing a new batch of tariffs on the European Union and other major trading partners.
In explaining Thursday’s fine of 890 million euros, regulators in Brussels said Google had used its position as the world’s largest search engine to unfairly boost its services in areas like shopping, travel, games and language translation. Google displayed its own services more prominently at the top of search results, while relegating competing services farther down the page, according to regulators.
The European Commission, which conducted the investigation, also concluded that the tech giant used unfair restrictions on its Google Play app store that prevent app developers from communicating with users, or conducting transactions that could reduce the fees Google can collect. » | Adam Satariano and Jeanna Smialek | Adam Satariano reported from London and Jeanna Smialek from Brussels. | Thursday, July 23, 2026
Cuba After Castro: The Island in the Crosshairs | Feature Documentary
Premiered Jun 23, 2026 | From directors Abby Martin and Matt Belen, Cuba After Castro delivers the definitive portrait of Miguel Díaz-Canel, Cuba’s first leader born after the Revolution. Through this unprecedented in-depth interview we see a vision of revolutionary Cuba suppressed in the west: a nation of collective values and defiance in the face of constant threats from the United States.
The film chronicles Diaz-Canel’s formation as an unexpected successor to the Castros — an unassuming organizer molded by the revolutionary process. Confronting a perfect storm of intensified U.S. sanctions, a media war, a devastating pandemic, and historic domestic protests. Díaz-Canel reflects on navigating these existential crises for the nation he has come to lead.
The film chronicles Diaz-Canel’s formation as an unexpected successor to the Castros — an unassuming organizer molded by the revolutionary process. Confronting a perfect storm of intensified U.S. sanctions, a media war, a devastating pandemic, and historic domestic protests. Díaz-Canel reflects on navigating these existential crises for the nation he has come to lead.
Sadistic And Depraved’ - Journalist Who’s Visited Cuba Describes U.S. Policy
July 23, 2026 | Donald Trump is not just threatening war against Cuba, but his sanctions against the island nation are having severe and deadly consequences. Its power grid is collapsing and Cuba’s most vulnerable are dying.
After a visit from CIA Director John Ratcliffe in May, it is making sweeping economic changes that journalist Abby Martin says could raise inequality.
In the midst of this crisis, Martin became the first U.S. journalist to interview Cuba’s president Miguel Díaz-Canel, as part of a provocative documentary entitled ‘Cuba After Castro.’
Martin’s documentary tells the untold story of the Cuban people. “Death is the policy. Mass murder is the policy that has been stated for decades to make the Cuban people suffer and overthrow their government.”
This in-depth conversation on the consequences of U.S. foreign policy goes beyond Cuba, as Mehdi and Martin also discuss her previous documentaries, centered around Israel’s crimes against Palestinians. Mehdi asks Martin about occupied Gaza, Israel, Marco Rubio and MORE. …
After a visit from CIA Director John Ratcliffe in May, it is making sweeping economic changes that journalist Abby Martin says could raise inequality.
In the midst of this crisis, Martin became the first U.S. journalist to interview Cuba’s president Miguel Díaz-Canel, as part of a provocative documentary entitled ‘Cuba After Castro.’
Martin’s documentary tells the untold story of the Cuban people. “Death is the policy. Mass murder is the policy that has been stated for decades to make the Cuban people suffer and overthrow their government.”
This in-depth conversation on the consequences of U.S. foreign policy goes beyond Cuba, as Mehdi and Martin also discuss her previous documentaries, centered around Israel’s crimes against Palestinians. Mehdi asks Martin about occupied Gaza, Israel, Marco Rubio and MORE. …
Swiss Divided over Restricting Real Estate Market for Foreigners
SWISSINFO.CH: The consultation on the planned tightening of the Lex Koller law has revealed a deep divide between the political camps. Whilst business organisations and estate agents warn of serious disadvantages, political parties on both the left and right welcome the proposal.
The Swiss government intends to respond to the tight situation on the housing market by tightening the rules. In future, people living abroad will no longer be allowed to buy shares in listed residential property companies. The consultation on the plans ended on Wednesday.
The left-wing Social Democrat Party and right-wing Swiss People’s Party supported the proposal. They argued that foreign capital was driving up property prices. » | SWI | Wednesday, July 15, 2026
ALSO READ:
Swiss government to tighten foreign property ownership »
The Swiss government intends to respond to the tight situation on the housing market by tightening the rules. In future, people living abroad will no longer be allowed to buy shares in listed residential property companies. The consultation on the plans ended on Wednesday.
The left-wing Social Democrat Party and right-wing Swiss People’s Party supported the proposal. They argued that foreign capital was driving up property prices. » | SWI | Wednesday, July 15, 2026
ALSO READ:
Swiss government to tighten foreign property ownership »
July 22, 2026
‘BONKERS’ US Saudi Nuclear Deal Shows How ‘Dependent’ Trump Is on MBS
July 22, 2026 | President Donald Trump has approved a landmark civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia that could allow the kingdom to enrich uranium on its own soil.
The proposed 30-year deal is expected to face scrutiny in Congress, with critics warning it could increase the risk of nuclear proliferation and fuel a regional arms race. Supporters argue it will strengthen the US-Saudi alliance and keep Riyadh aligned with Washington rather than rivals such as China or Russia. Matt Frei and Mark Urban discuss what it all means in this segment of the Fourcast Indicators.
Dismember a journalist and be rewarded by getting all the privileges! Something looks wrong with this picture! As I have said before: Trump is trash! — © Mark Alexander
The proposed 30-year deal is expected to face scrutiny in Congress, with critics warning it could increase the risk of nuclear proliferation and fuel a regional arms race. Supporters argue it will strengthen the US-Saudi alliance and keep Riyadh aligned with Washington rather than rivals such as China or Russia. Matt Frei and Mark Urban discuss what it all means in this segment of the Fourcast Indicators.
Dismember a journalist and be rewarded by getting all the privileges! Something looks wrong with this picture! As I have said before: Trump is trash! — © Mark Alexander
July 21, 2026
Saudi Arabia, between Repression and Transformation | DW Documentary
Jan 1, 2026 | Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also known as MBS, is the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia. For almost a decade, he has been radically transforming the country — at a breath-taking pace.
Where is the modernizer and despot steering the kingdom?
Saudi Arabia is the world's leading exporter of crude oil. But Crown Prince MBS wants to prepare the country for the post-oil era.
Two-thirds of the country's population is under 30 years old, and the crown prince is taking radical measures to turn the previously strictly conservative society on its head.
The documentary shows how contradictory Mohammed bin Salman's ambitions for his "Vision 2030" are, as it takes a look behind the scenes of the transformation.
On the one hand, there is the "Neom" project, which aims to create a futuristic new megacity in the desert. Tourism is to be expanded, major music and sporting events are to be brought to the country, and an extravagant lifestyle is being promoted. At the same time, an authoritarian style of government continues to prevail, dissidents are sometimes brutally suppressed, and women's rights are still not fully granted - even if the influence of the ultra-conservative religious leaders of Wahhabism is no longer as strong as it once was.
Where is the modernizer and despot steering the kingdom?
Saudi Arabia is the world's leading exporter of crude oil. But Crown Prince MBS wants to prepare the country for the post-oil era.
Two-thirds of the country's population is under 30 years old, and the crown prince is taking radical measures to turn the previously strictly conservative society on its head.
The documentary shows how contradictory Mohammed bin Salman's ambitions for his "Vision 2030" are, as it takes a look behind the scenes of the transformation.
On the one hand, there is the "Neom" project, which aims to create a futuristic new megacity in the desert. Tourism is to be expanded, major music and sporting events are to be brought to the country, and an extravagant lifestyle is being promoted. At the same time, an authoritarian style of government continues to prevail, dissidents are sometimes brutally suppressed, and women's rights are still not fully granted - even if the influence of the ultra-conservative religious leaders of Wahhabism is no longer as strong as it once was.
July 20, 2026
Iran-Backed Houthis Expand Conflict With Red Sea Blockade
THE NEW YORK TIMES: The move against Saudi ships will add new pressure on energy markets. Tehran said it had received new proposals from mediators.
The Houthis, the Iran-backed armed faction in Yemen, said they would impose a blockade on Saudi ships, threatening to open a new front in the Middle East conflict and raising the pressure on volatile global energy markets.
The announcement was made as many in the region were tensely watching to see if the rounds of bombardment between U.S. and Iranian forces in the Persian Gulf would continue to escalate. The two countries traded new attacks on Monday, with Iran targeting countries that host U.S. military bases, despite efforts by mediators to calm tensions.
The latest hostilities initially focused on the Strait of Hormuz, but they have expanded into a cycle of attacks and counterattacks that have killed at least three American service members since Friday, hit Arab states across the Persian Gulf and damaged critical infrastructure in Iran and U.S.-allied Kuwait.
Iran’s chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz has reduced global fuel supplies, pushing prices upward, but Saudi Arabia, a U.S. ally, has been able to reroute some of its exports through the Red Sea. If the Houthis follow through on their statement that they will not allow Saudi vessels to pass through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the southern portal to the Red Sea, it would worsen the global fuel crisis. Iran War Live Updates » | Aaron Boxerman, Ismaeel Naar, Sanam Mahoozi and Yan Zhuang | Monday, July 20, 2026
The master of the 'Art of the Deal' has got himself into a real fix with this illegitimate and unnecessary Iran War, hasn't he? He's in a fix, and so is the global economy. — © Mark Alexander
The Houthis, the Iran-backed armed faction in Yemen, said they would impose a blockade on Saudi ships, threatening to open a new front in the Middle East conflict and raising the pressure on volatile global energy markets.
The announcement was made as many in the region were tensely watching to see if the rounds of bombardment between U.S. and Iranian forces in the Persian Gulf would continue to escalate. The two countries traded new attacks on Monday, with Iran targeting countries that host U.S. military bases, despite efforts by mediators to calm tensions.
The latest hostilities initially focused on the Strait of Hormuz, but they have expanded into a cycle of attacks and counterattacks that have killed at least three American service members since Friday, hit Arab states across the Persian Gulf and damaged critical infrastructure in Iran and U.S.-allied Kuwait.
Iran’s chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz has reduced global fuel supplies, pushing prices upward, but Saudi Arabia, a U.S. ally, has been able to reroute some of its exports through the Red Sea. If the Houthis follow through on their statement that they will not allow Saudi vessels to pass through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the southern portal to the Red Sea, it would worsen the global fuel crisis. Iran War Live Updates » | Aaron Boxerman, Ismaeel Naar, Sanam Mahoozi and Yan Zhuang | Monday, July 20, 2026
The master of the 'Art of the Deal' has got himself into a real fix with this illegitimate and unnecessary Iran War, hasn't he? He's in a fix, and so is the global economy. — © Mark Alexander
Burnham Becomes U.K. Prime Minister and Pledges to End Homelessness
THE NEW YORK TIMES: In his first address, Andy Burnham acknowledged that he is Britain’s seventh leader in a decade and vowed to usher in a “circuit breaker moment” to change the direction of government.
Andy Burnham became the leader of Britain on Monday, capping an extraordinary demonstration of political power in which he easily won a seat in Parliament and swiftly engineered the resignation of the sitting prime minister.
In his first remarks at Downing Street, Mr. Burnham pledged to “put the care of people at the heart of everything I do” and said his move into Britain’s top job will be a “circuit breaker moment” to change the direction that government has taken over the last four decades.
“I know people at home are fed up with politics,” he told supporters. “I hear you, and I want to be honest with you. We have not been good enough, and we need to be better. We will be.”
Mr. Burnham is Britain’s seventh prime minister in a decade, reflecting a period of turmoil that began with the Brexit vote in 2016, when voters severed ties to Europe. Earlier on Monday, Mr. Burnham traveled to Buckingham Palace, where King Charles III formally asked him to form a government.
There were early signs on Monday that Mr. Burnham had begun forming his new cabinet. David Lammy, who was deputy prime minister under Mr. Burnham’s predecessor, Keir Starmer, announced he was leaving government. Rachel Reeves also confirmed that she was out as chancellor of the Exchequer, overseeing the nation’s finances.
In his speech, Mr. Burnham announced one new policy, saying he would end “rough sleeping,” a British term for homelessness. But there have been signals recently that he will shift some aspects of Mr. Starmer’s agenda. Live Updates » | Michael D. Shear | Reporting from London | Monday, July 20, 2026
In his first remarks at Downing Street, Mr. Burnham pledged to “put the care of people at the heart of everything I do” and said his move into Britain’s top job will be a “circuit breaker moment” to change the direction that government has taken over the last four decades.
“I know people at home are fed up with politics,” he told supporters. “I hear you, and I want to be honest with you. We have not been good enough, and we need to be better. We will be.”
Mr. Burnham is Britain’s seventh prime minister in a decade, reflecting a period of turmoil that began with the Brexit vote in 2016, when voters severed ties to Europe. Earlier on Monday, Mr. Burnham traveled to Buckingham Palace, where King Charles III formally asked him to form a government.
There were early signs on Monday that Mr. Burnham had begun forming his new cabinet. David Lammy, who was deputy prime minister under Mr. Burnham’s predecessor, Keir Starmer, announced he was leaving government. Rachel Reeves also confirmed that she was out as chancellor of the Exchequer, overseeing the nation’s finances.
In his speech, Mr. Burnham announced one new policy, saying he would end “rough sleeping,” a British term for homelessness. But there have been signals recently that he will shift some aspects of Mr. Starmer’s agenda. Live Updates » | Michael D. Shear | Reporting from London | Monday, July 20, 2026
Sir William Browder on Trump's Capitulation to Russia, as the Wars in Iran and Ukraine Rage On
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July 19, 2026
How the World’s Worst Person Became the First Trillionaire
July 19, 2026 | “When people can buy elections, when people can buy governments… that for me is a fundamentally a threat to democracy.
Being against billionaires is not a left right issue. This is about whether you care about democracy or not.” The world’s worst person is also the world’s first trillionaire.
In this latest episode of ‘Unshocked,’ Naomi Klein and Mehdi Hasan break down what Elon Musk’s trillionaire status means for democracy, capitalism, and the rise of racism.
In the conversation, Naomi and Mehdi explain how political corruption, government subsidies, and IPO promises make up Musk’s new trillionaire status.
They also dive into what the increased influence of billionaires means for the state of democracy, noting how Musk is taking advantage over people’s anger over wealth inequality and directing it to migrants. They also discuss how SpaceX IPO is based on unrealistic goals, Musk’s feud with Ro Khanna and protests in Albania over the Trump family.
Being against billionaires is not a left right issue. This is about whether you care about democracy or not.” The world’s worst person is also the world’s first trillionaire.
In this latest episode of ‘Unshocked,’ Naomi Klein and Mehdi Hasan break down what Elon Musk’s trillionaire status means for democracy, capitalism, and the rise of racism.
In the conversation, Naomi and Mehdi explain how political corruption, government subsidies, and IPO promises make up Musk’s new trillionaire status.
They also dive into what the increased influence of billionaires means for the state of democracy, noting how Musk is taking advantage over people’s anger over wealth inequality and directing it to migrants. They also discuss how SpaceX IPO is based on unrealistic goals, Musk’s feud with Ro Khanna and protests in Albania over the Trump family.
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