World News
Latest world news and updates
Total: 818

Allies’ Warnings and Thin Forces Stayed Trump’s Hand on Strikes Against Iran
U.S. President Trump declined to order strikes on Iran after senior officials, Israel and Saudi Arabia warned of inadequate regional defenses and uncertain operational effects. Shortfalls in U.S. force posture, allied caution and advisers’ doubts combined to persuade the White House to hold back, underscoring limits on Washington’s power projection in the Middle East.

Trump Reboots Controversial Bid for Greenland, Raising Arctic Diplomatic Stakes
President Trump renewed a controversial call for the United States to “own” Greenland, dismissing historical Danish claims and saying he had a pleasant call with a senior NATO-linked official. The proposal is legally and politically fraught given Greenland’s autonomous status and would risk straining U.S.-Danish relations while highlighting rising geostrategic competition in the Arctic.

Israel’s Army Sounds Alarm on Manpower Shortages as Draft Debate Paralyzes Reforms
Israel’s chief of staff has warned of a multi-thousand troop shortfall that could degrade IDF readiness within a year unless the government acts. The crisis stems from stalled legislation on Haredi draft exemptions, delays in lengthening compulsory service and sustained operational pressure since late 2023.

NORAD Sends Aircraft to Pituffik — A Signal of Bolstered Arctic Defence Cooperation
NORAD has announced that multiple aircraft will deploy to the Pituffik (Thule) Space Base in Greenland to support planned missions, coordinated with Denmark and notified to Greenland’s government. The move underlines routine operational cooperation among the United States, Canada and Denmark while signalling allied attention to the strategically important Arctic region.

Eastern Theatre Recon Unit Runs Round‑the‑Clock Drills to Hone ISR‑to‑Strike Skills
A reconnaissance detachment of the PLA’s Eastern Theatre Command conducted a continuous day‑and‑night exercise that rehearsed infiltration, river crossing, drone reconnaissance and coordinated strikes. The drill underscores a PLA emphasis on realistic, night‑capable reconnaissance and faster sensor‑to‑shooter cycles relevant to operations in the East China Sea and Taiwan Strait.

America as a Lever: How a Second Trump Term Is Rewiring Global Order
A second Trump term has transformed U.S. diplomacy into a personalized, transactional enterprise that wields military force, economic coercion and inducements without the usual multilateral scaffolding. While the approach has produced some short-term gains, it risks eroding allied trust, provoking legal controversies, and inviting rivals to exploit institutional gaps.

China’s Southern Theatre Air Units Step Up Cross‑Day‑Night Flight Drills to Sharpen All‑Weather Combat Readiness
A PLA Southern Theatre aviation brigade has conducted intensive day‑and‑night flight drills aimed at sharpening all‑weather combat capabilities. The exercises highlight integrated training across pilots, support crews and systems, improving sustained operational readiness in a region of heightened strategic sensitivity.

Blast Near Chinese Restaurant in Kabul Kills One; Beijing Demands Afghan Action and Urges Evacuations
An explosion outside a Chinese restaurant in Kabul on 19 January killed one Chinese national and wounded five. Beijing has lodged an emergency representation with Afghan authorities, condemned the attack, urged stronger protections for Chinese citizens and advised against travel to Afghanistan.

China's Air Force Deploys High-Tech Screening to Sharpen Pilot Intake
China’s Air Force has begun its 2026 final pilot selection in Beijing, using enhanced medical and psychological tests and a suite of new diagnostic technologies. The recruitment drive emphasizes scientific precision, wider regional access, and strict anti‑intermediary rules, aiming to raise entry standards and streamline the admissions pipeline.

Europe's Mixed Response to U.S. Move on Greenland and Threatened Tariffs Signals Strain in Western Alliance
Europe responded to recent U.S. moves on Greenland and threats of tariffs with a mix of conciliatory diplomacy and firmer measures to protect sovereignty and economic interests. The episode highlights growing European strategic autonomy, the geopolitics of the Arctic and risks to transatlantic cohesion.

Netanyahu Rebukes U.S. Over Qatar, Turkey Role in Gaza 'Peace Committee', Vows No Foreign Troops
Prime Minister Netanyahu has told U.S. Secretary of State Rubio that Israel opposes Qatar and Turkey joining a proposed Gaza "peace committee," instructing his foreign minister to lodge a formal protest. He also insisted that no Turkish or Qatari forces will enter Gaza and reiterated that a second-phase ceasefire must demilitarize the territory and disarm Hamas.

Denmark Bolsters Troops in Greenland as Arctic Tensions Rise
Denmark has deployed additional troops to Greenland and published photos showing soldiers arriving in Nuuk, with more units to be stationed in the west. Copenhagen says the deployment, agreed with Greenland’s authorities, is a response to rising geopolitical tensions in the Arctic and follows public U.S. remarks about Greenland that have alarmed European capitals.