By forming a collective pact to resist U.S. economic pressure, OPEC challenges the dominance of unilateral sanctions and sets a precedent for similar multilateral resistance in other industries. The article analyzes the potential global economic impacts, particularly on oil prices, and examines how OPEC’s actions could influence U.S. consumers and developing nations. It concludes by addressing the broader geopolitical shifts that could arise from this collective resistance.
Read MoreOn February 3, Nayib Bukele, president of El Salvador, announced via X, formerly known as Twitter, an agreement giving the United States permission to outsource part of its inmate population to El Salvador in exchange for an undisclosed fee. The central purpose of this deal is to allow the United States to deport undocumented immigrants whose countries reject deportation flights.
Read More“We are the protective barrier. We are the Firewall.” This response comes after a fiery campaign by center-left politician and party leader Fredreich Merz to distance his party, the CDU, from the extreme far-right party, Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) in the fast-approaching German parliamentary elections on February 23rd. Having placed second in recent polls behind Merz’s party, the AfD represents a strong populist barricade that will most likely lead to uncomfortable coalition talks if a majority is to be shared between the two parties.
Read MoreTrump, Musk and Rubio have made it clear that foreign aid will undergo serious restructuring, but the actual plans to implement change remain uncertain. There are reports that the administration intends to fold USAID into the State Department.
Read MoreThe success of Trump’s strategy will highly depend on whether the potential of economic benefits outweigh the likely damage to trade relations and consumer costs. If these tariffs spark a broader trade war, the economic consequences will likely spill over the borders of these four countries, risking severe reverberations for entire global markets and consumers.
Read MoreAfter nearly a year and a half of Israel’s bombardment on Gaza, with Palestinians returning to their now decimated city, the United States government has expressed an intent for further involvement in the region. Earlier this week, President Trump stated to reporters that the United States would be completing a full takeover of the Gaza Strip, viewing it as a lucrative economic opportunity.
Read MoreIn the waning hours of his presidency, former President Joe Biden issued a series of preemptive pardons to members of the January 6 committee, fearing they would be targeted by the incoming Trump administration. A constitutional question was soon raised: Did the immunity granted to the members of the Committee by the Speech or Debate Clause eliminate the need for a pardon?
Read MoreIn the last 72 hours of his term as president, Joe Biden declared that the Equal Rights Amendment was the “law of the land”... the ERA could be the 28th Amendment to the Constitution. How did we get here? What does this mean? Let’s demystify it.
Read MoreIf you have consumed and bought into the negative narratives about Lopez, you might think it is “karma” for all her alleged misdeeds, lack of talent, and extreme amounts of egoism. But if you believe that you formed those opinions entirely based on facts and without the influence of coordinated (i.e., inorganic) activity, then you are severely underestimating your gullibility level and are complicit in the harassment against her.
Read MoreThe recognition of Gonzalez as President-elect of Venezuela by the United States has forced Latin American states to choose between supporting Maduro or joining the United States in challenging his legitimacy. While governments neighboring Venezuela have become critical of the election results, there is little chance that Maduro will step down as president.
Read MoreIn the 2024 general election, North Carolina overall experienced decreased voter turnout compared to record numbers in 2020. National trends reflect a similar slight decrease in voter turnout this year, with a one-percent reduction between 2020 and 2024. Orange County evaded such a decrease and voter turnout was nearly the same as in 2020.
Read MoreAs the sun sets on Rafael Nadal’s tennis career, his impact on the sport and its fans remains indelible. He leaves not just as a champion but as a symbol of resilience and humanity, reminding us that even the greatest athletes are defined by more than just their triumphs. They are also characterized by the challenges they overcome and the character they display along the way. Not only will the loss of Nadal be a loss for his livelihood, but also the loss of the tennis world as a whole.
Read MoreFor the first time since the beginning of her public life, Kamala Harris has no obvious career trajectory. While the Vice President has been lying low since the election, she has notably been telling close aides to “keep her options open,” a particularly thought-provoking statement considering Harris’ relative youth. This begs the question, what’s next for Kamala Harris? Here are her options:
Read MoreIt was unclear if McCarthy’s confidants were willing to risk the wrath of an incitive Trump by crossing the aisle and voting with Democrats to force the report’s release. However, their public disapproval put the nail in Gaetz’s coffin before a vote on the report could even be held. On Thursday, November 21, the President-elect called Gaetz to deliver the tough news, he didn’t have the votes and the Senators weren’t budging.
Read MoreWith seven in ten Americans believing climate change is a serious problem, true solutions won’t come from waiting for the political winds to shift but acting now at every level possible. The destructive lessons of Helene and Milton make it clear: our choice isn't between acting and doing nothing but between proactive change and being forced into adaptation as the climate becomes increasingly hostile. With 2024 already shaping up to be the hottest year on record, this second-term vision of Trump's is an extreme contradiction in climate science. While the federal leadership falters, communities are leading the charge, businesses are leading the charge, and local governments are leading the charge.
Read MoreWith reports confirming Senator Marco Rubio as President-Elect Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of State, speculation grows over how Rubio’s hawkish foreign policy views may influence the administration’s approach. Known for his strong support of U.S. alliances and democratic advocacy, Rubio could steer American diplomacy toward a more traditional yet assertive stance on the global stage.
Read MoreDespite warnings that Virginia’s voter purge was not narrow enough to catch only noncitizens, the state pushed on. Disturbingly, many citizens were unaware they were removed until contacted by advocacy groups or news outlets.
Read MoreFor Vice President Harris, invoking the horrors of a potential Trump presidency cannot mask the real, ongoing tragedies many of her Arab and Muslim constituents are already experiencing. For the Palestinian community, the conflict in Gaza has taken more than 43,000 lives, including over 16,000 children. Thousands remain buried under rubble, vulnerable to disease and starvation, with no end in sight.
Read MoreDemocratic leaders find themselves wondering what happened not only in North Carolina but in the other six battleground states Trump swept this election cycle.
Read MoreWith Republicans in control of the Senate, there will be few roadblocks to confirmation for Trump’s picks of cabinet officials and Supreme Court if Justices Alito and Thomas step down during the upcoming term. The president-elect will not have to appeal to centrists like Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Susan Collins (R-ME).
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