Lim Teck Ghee

Conservative columnists have described the action to block Harvard University from enrolling international students as a disastrous and unnecessary politically motivated attack on higher education and a damaging blow to America’s soft power standing. – AFPpix

Trump effect on global power

TWO developments – one unfolding and the other about to take place – are emblematic of President Donald Trump’s effect on US politics and policy-making.

They also have ramifications for America’s soft ...

Pix for representational purposes - REUTERSPIX

Will truce calm geopolitical storm?

THE agreement between the US and China in Switzerland, providing a temporary de-escalation of trade conflict between the two countries has produced an upturn in global share markets and a measure of relief ...

Trump sent Bessent to Switzerland to meet with Chinese representatives to negotiate a compromise. – REUTERSPIC

Narratives on Trump’s tariff war

“A VERY good meeting today with China, in Switzerland. Many things were discussed, much agreed to. A total reset negotiated in a friendly, but constructive, manner. We want to see, for the good of both ...

Although details of the agreement are still being negotiated - for now, it is simply a truce pause - it will likely end with Russia retaining the Crimean region, which was the territorial flashpoint for the beginning of the war. – AFPpix

Ukraine-Russia peace agreement

A PICTURE paints a thousand words. The photo of President Donald Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky in conversation while attending the funeral ceremony of Pope Francis in Rome is the strongest ...

Trump’s administration policies on stricter immigration enforcement and attempts at selective deportation have faced strong legal challenges and opposition from those who argue that the policies are anti-democratic, discriminatory, inhumane and ineffective. – REUTERSpix

Trump’s Maga vision hits speed bump

BARELY 100 days into his new term, President Donald Trump is deeply embroiled in battles on multiple fronts in his Maga (Make America Great Again) mission.

In the critical domestic battleground, he has ...

Trump called for 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs affecting over 180 countries, announced on April 2, while excluding China from the pause period. - REUTERSPIX

Tariff war standoff: Who will hold firm?

“THERE are no winners in a trade war, and going against the world will only lead to self-isolation.” – China President Xi Jinping

Until Friday, April 11, the big question for market analysts and media commentators ...

Asean countries are the hardest hit by Trump’s tariff war.

How will Asean respond to tariffs?

TRUE to his election promises, President Donald Trump has unleashed his tariff bazooka on the world to make America great again.

Using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a rarely used presidential ...

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul - REUTERSpix

East Asia at historic turning point

WHEN Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya noted in his welcoming speech at the trilateral summit meeting of Japan, China and South Korea on March 21 that the increasingly severe international situation ...

Past experience indicates that a severe, unresolved tariff war combined with recessionary forces could push the Dow down 30% to 50% from peak levels. - AFPpix

How low can the Dow go?

AFTER a tumultuous week in which the Dow Jones (DJ) index entered correction territory – a 10% drop from its previous high – those heavily invested, especially US President Donald Trump’s supporters, are ...

Trump has one nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize due to his leading role in trying to reach a peace agreement between the key combatants. – AFPPIC

Who will win 2025 Nobel Peace prize?

SHORTLY now, if not already taking place, the Norwegian Nobel Peace Prize selection committee will be examining nominations for this year’s winner.

The result of this coveted and highly sought-after prize ...