Reflections
179. Trump is making China great again
An era of great-power politics had begun, marked by Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, China’s emergence as a great power, and the significant redefinition of US foreign and security policies under Donal...
178. The last relic of the Raj departs the world
Anyone who has met Sir Mark Tully will instantly smile, but then feel a twinge of pain upon reading this article's title. It was his sentence except for the last three words.Tully, a complete Indian,...
177. The global economy not in good shape
A World Bank report indicates that 25% of developing countries are now poorer than in 2019, prior to COVID-19. It also notes that global growth has slowed since the pandemic, and the current rate is i...
176. The Butcher of Hama has died
Just as you feel happiness when your favorites, whether encountered or not, remain alive and healthy, you also experience joy when you learn that those you disliked have passed away.Today is truly one...
175. The world is hugely unequal
This year’s World Economic Forum in Davos will be remembered not for politicians’ rhetoric but for something else – an open letter issued by almost 400 millionaires and billionaires from 24 countries....
174. The “uniquely” placed Prince
Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s former monarch, has forecast the downfall of the Islamic regime and stated that he is “uniquely” positioned to lead a successor government.Remember, Pahlavi has not bee...
173. Billionaires' total wealth has grown to $18.3 trillion
Oxfam’s annual global inequality survey found that the number of billionaires exceeded 3,000 for the first time in 2025. Since 2020, their combined wealth has increased by 81%, or $8.2 trillion, an am...
172. A novel way to reduce prison sentences
Not many are aware that Brazilian law includes a literary device that allows inmates who read books to shorten their sentences by four days for each title read. To qualify for the sentence reduct...
171. Does Donald Trump have a Nazi streak?
President Donald Trump has repeatedly turned to tariffs to force countries to bend to his will – with some success.His aggressive approach to global trade has sparked concerns about the US economy, as...
170. Laila Cunningham is right
Last week, Laila Cunningham was announced as Reform’s candidate for the 2028 London mayoral elections. In her very first speech, she said that no one should cover their face in an open soci...
169. Global right-wing leaders come together
Right-wing leaders worldwide speak the same language. They are eager to grow their club membership and seize every opportunity to promote one another. They have now come together to back Vik...
168. The concept of the global village is fading away
The Trump administration has temporarily halted immigrant visa processing for people from 75 countries, effective January 21. The official US administration statement says, “The freeze will remai...