Author: nick

Arctic route, far from tensions, could be alternative to Hormuz

Conspiracy Theories

Russia develops expertise and gains advantage in Arctic navigation compared to other countries. Ahmed Adel, Cairo-based geopolitics and political economy researcher. The far north of the globe is seeing new maritime routes open as the Arctic ice sheet melts, shortening the distance between China and Europe. Beijing has seized the opportunity and expanded its operations in the region. The Northern Sea Route is not new, but it offers an opportunity to reduce dependence on trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz, especially during times of conflict, such as the one currently affecting the Middle East. The Arctic region is undergoing…

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Did California’s governor race reveal the limits of abundance politics?

Politics & Policy

Californians witnessed the most interesting gubernatorial matchup in decades given that, without any A-listers on the ballot, no one was Gov. Gavin Newsom’s anointed successor. With Rep. Eric Swalwell dropping out following sexual-related allegations, billionaire Tom Steyer spending $200 million, and the possibility, however slight, of Republicans capturing both general-election spots, the race was tailor-made for journalists and pundits. At the end of the day, the top-two system, which pits candidates from all parties in a jungle primary, resulted in a final choice between establishment-backed candidates that a partisan primary might have yielded. Others can assess the pluses and minuses…

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Vance Says US-Iran MOU Has Already Been Signed ‘Digitally’

Economy & Power

Vice President JD Vance is seen in the White House during a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, February 28, 2025. (Credit: White House / Daniel Torok) Vice President JD Vance said on Monday that a Memorandum of Understanding to end the war between the US and Iran had already been signed “digitally” on Sunday night and that the text would be released in the coming days, though an official signing ceremony is still expected to take place this Friday in Geneva. An unnamed US official also told reporters on Monday that the agreement was signed by Vance, President Trump, and Iranian Parliament Speaker…

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Ecocide! – CounterPunch.org

Investigative Reports

Image by NASA. According to the National Geographic Society: “The human footprint is one of the most destructive forces in Earth’s history, fundamentally altering the planet at an unprecedented scale. Humanity consumes resources far faster than they can regenerate, driving rapid environmental degradation, mass biodiversity loss, and climate shifts that many scientists classify as a new geological epoch.” Yet, the planet is smiling, a big fat smile. It’s happy for the first time since, who knows when? Humans are taking measures to protect her precious ecosystems. The world community is waking up to the full extent of anthropogenic abuse by…

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Israeli Air Force Chief Says Major Attack on Iran Was Called Off Last Week

Economy & Power

Israeli F-15I fighter jets en route to attack Iran in June 2025. (Source: Israel Defense Forces) The head of the Israeli Air Force has said that a major strike on Iran using the “entire Air Force” was called off last week after Iran bombed northern Israel in response to Israel’s strikes. Israel did launch strikes against Iran following the Iranian attack, but according to media reports, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu scaled down the strikes after a phone call with President Trump, who initially said he would tell Israel not to respond at all. Israeli Air Force Chief of Staff Maj. Gen.…

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