Trump is changing US foreign policy by focusing on deals rather than alliances. His approach is transactional, viewing international relationships as business deals. This shift is causing concern among traditional allies and could undermine the global order established post-World War II. NATO and US influence may weaken, while adversaries like Russia and China see opportunities.
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The White House's revamped Covid-19 website now prominently features the lab-leak theory, alleging the virus originated from the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The site criticizes a study discrediting the theory and accuses Dr. Fauci of promoting a natural origin narrative. It also questions public health measures and accuses the Biden administration of obstructing investigations into the lab-leak theory.
A United Airlines flight to Shanghai turned back mid-air after discovering a pilot lacked a passport. Flight UA 198 with 257 passengers returned to San Francisco, causing a six-hour delay. Passengers received meal vouchers and compensation. Aviation expert Shukor Yusof criticized the incident as an unacceptable lapse for the airline. United Airlines acknowledged the issue but hasn't disclosed further measures.
Avian influenza (H5N1) has been detected in a sheep in England for the first time, prompting the implementation of strict biosecurity measures. Authorities emphasize the low risk to livestock and urge animal owners to maintain cleanliness and report signs of infection, while monitoring of the situation continues.
Hamas and Israel are set to carry out their fourth hostage-prisoner swap under the Gaza ceasefire on Saturday. In exchange for three Israeli captives—Yarden Bibas, Keith Seigel, and Ofer Kalderon—Israel will release 90 Palestinian prisoners. This swap is part of a broader deal, where militants have already handed over hostages in exchange for prisoners. The ceasefire has allowed aid into Gaza, and talks for a second phase are set to begin.
Vivek Ramaswamy is a top contender for Ohio's vacant Senate seat, supported by Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Although he withdrew his candidacy in November to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency, he is now in advanced discussions with GOP leaders for the post following JD Vance's resignation. The decision rests with Guv Mike DeWine.
Teamsters president Sean O'Brien shared details of a confrontational meeting with Kamala Harris, where she dismissed the need for union support, leading to the Teamsters' refusal to endorse any presidential candidate. The union later reported significant member support for Trump over Harris. For the first time since 1996, the traditional Dem ally Teamsters announced just days before the election that they would not be endorsing a presidential candidate.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Israel is ready to resume fighting in Gaza if needed. Netanyahu emphasized Israel's intention to complete war objectives against Hamas. A scheduled Palestinian prisoner release was halted by Israel due to Hamas's actions. Hamas criticized the move, warning it threatens the ongoing truce, which began on January 19.
Israel will release 110 Palestinian prisoners, including prominent terrorist convicts, in exchange for three Israeli hostages. The deal, part of a truce brokered by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, also includes the release of five Thai captives. The agreement aims to secure the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
Introducing Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his three-hour podcast, Lex Fridman said Modi is known for taking decisive, at times controversial actions for which he is loved by hundreds of millions of people, and is also criticized by many. "On the world stage, he is respected as a peacemaker and friend by most major world leaders, even those whose nations are at war with each other, from the United States to China, to Ukraine and Russia, to Israel, Palestine and the Middle East, and everywhere... Expand
The European Union on Wednesday promised 3 billion euros ($3.1 billion) of financing and investments for Jordan as part of a new "strategic" partnership with the key Middle East ally. Brussels said the package for Jordan would be made up of 640 million euros of grants, one billion euros of grants and 1.4 billion euros of investments.