Historic talks have taken place between the leaders of China and Taiwan for the first time in over 60 years. President Xi Jinping of China and President Ma Ying-jeou of Taiwan shook hands at the start of the talks, which are seen by most as largely symbolic. China views Taiwan as a breakaway province that would one day return to being united with the mainland but the Taiwanese are concerned by China’s growing influence and are determined to remain independent. Meeting The meeting has … [Read more...]
US Embassy Reopens in Cuba after 54 Years
August 15, 2022 By
The US has reopened its embassy in the capital of Cuba after 54 years, in a step showing the growing ties between the countries. John Kerry, the US Secretary of State, was the first in his position to visit Havana in 70 years and presided over the ceremony. It involved the US flag being presented to the same US marines who had brought it down in 1961. Historic moment Mr Kerry said that the current administration wanted to lift the trade embargo currently in place on the island, though this … [Read more...]
Lawmakers in Greece Approve Latest Bailout
July 16, 2022 By
Greek lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in favour to approve the harsh austerity bill put in place by the country’s creditors on Thursday, despite the significant dissent from members of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’ own party. The bill imposes sweeping tax hikes and spending cuts, has fuelled anger in the Syriza party, and led to a revolt against their leader who had forged the deal after a weekend Eurozone summit to prevent Greece crashing out of the euro, the joint European … [Read more...]
Greek PM Urges No Vote in Bailout Referendum
June 30, 2022 By
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has urged the Greek people to reject the demands of the country’s creditors ahead of a snap referendum on Sunday concerning the financial crisis it is facing. Mr Tsipras said that a clear vote against the austerity measures would assist Greece in getting a better settlement from its creditors. The PM added that without it, he would not be staying in office to oversee more cuts. Loans Greece’s financial bailout expires on Tuesday and this is also the date … [Read more...]
No More Latin America Meddling Says President Obama
April 11, 2022 By
US President Barack Obama has said that his country’s days of meddling in the affairs of Latin America countries has come to an end while speaking at the 7th Summit of the Americans, held in Panama City. Mr Obama had earlier shook hands with Cuban leader Raul Castro at the opening ceremony, their first meeting since a December encounter. Historic formal talks are due to take place on Saturday but the work could be overshadowed by tensions between the US and Venezuela. Problems Mr Obama … [Read more...]
Obama Faces Battle with Congress over Iran Deal
April 4, 2022 By
President Obama has started work to win over those in Congress who are sceptical over the new framework deal made with Iran over their nuclear program. The preliminary agreement will see the country curb nuclear activities in return for relief from international sanctions. US Republicans, in particular, have said they may try to derail the agreement and even seek to impose new sanctions on Iran but the White House remains confident that a deal can be reached by the end of June … [Read more...]
Israel Goes to Polls to Elect New Leader
March 17, 2022 By
Israel has opened its polls for an election that is expected to be a very close contest between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s party and an alliance from the centre-left. The centre-left Zionist Union are promising to repair relations with the international community and with the Palestinians while Mr Netanyahu continues to state he will not allow the creation of a Palestinian state if he wins another term in office but is trailing in opinion polls. Polls opened at 7am and are due to … [Read more...]
Obama Chooses Inside Man for Secret Service Job
February 19, 2022 By
President Barack Obama has announced that he has chosen his former chief of his security detail to take on the role of the Secret Service director, despite a government panel’s recommendation that someone outside the agency be chosen. The president plans to announce Joseph Clancy as the new director, four months after Clancy took over the interim director role and amid a shake up of the Secret Service ranks. Trusted The president ‘s choice will see a trusted hand at the top of the agency … [Read more...]
Romney Rules Out 2016 Presidential Run
January 31, 2022 By
Mitt Romney, the Republican who was beaten by President Obama in the 2012 election, has said he will not be running again for president in 2016. Mr Romney, 67, has said he had made the decision to give other leaders in his party the chance to become the nominee. His statement comes just weeks after a surprising announcement saying he was considering a second attempt but his clear declaration leaves donors free to support other Republican candidates. Potential Florida governor Jeb Bush, New … [Read more...]
Obama Wants to Spread Wealth - State of the Union
January 21, 2022 By
US President Barack Obama gave his annual State of the Union speech to Congress last night and in it he declared that the financial crisis in the country had ended and that he was introducing new economic policies that would benefit everyone. In a speech aimed, according to experts, at working families, the president outlined a strategy for ‘middle class economics’. The biggest problem he will face, however, is a Republican controlled Congress. Values The speech was focused more on values … [Read more...]
