Opinions
Trump keeps saying the GOP mega bill will eliminate taxes on Social Security. It does not
President Donald Trump keeps saying that Republicans' mega tax and spending cut legislation will eliminate taxes on federal Social Security benefits. It does not. At best, Trump's “no tax on Social Security” claim exaggerates the benefits to seniors if either the House or Senate-passed proposals is signed into law. Here's… Read
U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear sites set up 'cat-and-mouse' hunt for missing uranium
The U.S. and Israeli bombing of Iranian nuclear sites creates a conundrum for U.N. inspectors in Iran: how can you tell if enriched uranium stocks, some of them near weapons grade, were buried beneath the rubble or had been secretly hidden away? Following last month's attacks on three of Iran's… Read
Investment, innovation and courage: Driving business action for SDGs in Asia and the Pacific
With just five years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the urgency for bold and tangible solutions is undeniable. The $1.5 trillion annual investment gap required to achieve the SDGs isn’t just a number, it’s a call to action. Traditional “business-as-usual” approaches are no longer sufficient. What we… Read
Southeast Asian nations look to hedge their way out of troubled waters in the South China Sea
The South China Sea has long been a bubbling geopolitical hot spot. Recently, a series of moves by the various nations claiming a stake in the waters has stirred up yet more trouble. Malaysia has of late reaffirmed its commitment to oil and gas exploration in waters claimed by China… Read
The battle for TikTok is at the forefront of a deeper geopolitical trend
After years of mounting scrutiny over TikTok’s data practices, in 2024 the Chinese video platform was threatened with a forced sale in the U.S. or a nationwide ban. U.S.–China tech rivalry has entered a new and more aggressive phase. TikTok vowed to fight forced divestment, claiming it would “trample” free speech. But… Read
Europe placates Trump with NATO pledges it can ill afford
In their rush to retain Donald Trump's support for NATO, the alliance's European members have promised to more than double the amount of wealth they set aside for military spending. The snag is that most can ill-afford to spend 5% of output on defense - so while there will be… Read
Ishiba’s abrupt no-show at NATO summit reveals strained alliance with U.S.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has sent a clear signal to the Trump administration: the Japan–U.S. relationship is in a dire state. After saying just days ago he would be attending this week’s NATO summit at The Hague, Ishiba abruptly pulled out at the last minute. He joins two other leaders from… Read
Guardians of the ocean: How SIDS are leading the 1.5°C agenda and what the world must do next
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are at the leading edge of the climate crisis. Threatened by rising sea levels, intensifying storms, and fragile marine ecosystems, these nations face existential risks to their economies, cultures, and ways of life. However, the vast oceans surrounding them offer more than just vulnerability they… Read
AI ‘reanimations’: Making facsimiles of the dead raises ethical quandaries
Christopher Pelkey was shot and killed in a road range incident in 2021. On May 8, at the sentencing hearing for his killer, an AI video reconstruction of Pelkey delivered a victim impact statement. The trial judge reported being deeply moved by this performance and issued the maximum sentence for… Read
U.S.-China trade truce leaves military-use rare earth issue unresolved
The renewed U.S.-China trade truce struck in London left a key area of export restrictions tied to national security untouched, an unresolved conflict that threatens a more comprehensive deal, two people briefed on detailed outcomes of the talks told Reuters. Beijing has not committed to grant export clearance for some… Read
