Author: Rachel Maddow

Trump’s Remarks Spark Outrage The UK has hit back at former US President Donald Trump after he suggested NATO troops did not fight on the front lines in Afghanistan. In an interview with Fox News, Trump appeared unaware that 457 British soldiers died in the conflict following the September 11 attacks, claiming allies “stayed a little back, a little off the front lines.” UK officials emphasized that 405 of the 457 British casualties were killed in hostile action, highlighting the sacrifices made by troops who faced real danger in the field. NATO’s Collective Defense in Action After the 9/11 attacks…

Bilateral Agreement, Not NATO-Wide Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, has stressed that the security framework for Greenland negotiated by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte must be presented to all allies before it can move forward. Speaking to Euronews at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Albares clarified that the deal struck with US President Donald Trump is a bilateral arrangement, not a NATO decision. “This is a bilateral arrangement, not NATO. It is the Secretary General of NATO talking to one of the allies,” Albares said. He added that allied foreign ministers currently only know about the public announcement,…

A groundbreaking AI tool has just been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help doctors detect fetal abnormalities that traditional ultrasounds often miss. Developed by the American start-up BioticsAI, the software works alongside existing ultrasound machines, analysing images in real-time and alerting doctors to potential issues during pregnancy scans. How the AI Enhances Ultrasounds Prenatal ultrasounds are essential for monitoring a baby’s development, but even routine scans can overlook serious conditions. BioticsAI’s software immediately evaluates each image, suggesting improvements for better clarity and checking that every part of the fetus is visible. It can flag missing…

The National Bank of Poland (NBP) has significantly increased its gold holdings, now totaling around 550 tonnes and valued at over €63 billion. NBP President Adam Glapiński has long highlighted gold’s role as a stable, risk-free asset, independent of global monetary policies and resistant to financial shocks. The bank aims to eventually reach 700 tonnes, boosting the total value of reserves to about PLN 400 billion (€94 billion). Rapid Growth in Gold Holdings Gold’s share of Poland’s foreign reserves has surged from 16.86% in 2024 to 28.22% by the end of 2025, one of the fastest structural shifts among central…

Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian designer whose glamorous gowns defined elegance for decades, has died at his home in Rome at the age of 93. Known for his signature “Valentino red” and timeless designs, he remained a central figure in the fashion world from the 1960s through his retirement in 2008. The Designer Who Knew What Women Wanted Universally recognized simply as Valentino, he dressed generations of royals, first ladies, and Hollywood stars, including Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Princess Diana, Julia Roberts, and Queen Rania of Jordan. His clients often said his gowns made them feel both beautiful and confident. “I…

Airlines are stepping up safety measures for portable batteries following a dangerous fire on a South Korean Air Busan flight in January 2025. Germany’s Lufthansa is now leading Europe with stricter policies to prevent similar incidents. New Restrictions for Passengers Lufthansa has announced that passengers can no longer use power banks to charge devices during flights or connect them to seatback entertainment systems. While the batteries are still allowed in cabin luggage, storing them in overhead compartments is now prohibited. Travelers must keep power banks on their person or in hand luggage under the seat. Limits on Size and Quantity…

EU Leaders Unite Over Greenland Dispute European leaders have vowed to remain united after US President Donald Trump threatened new tariffs unless Denmark agrees to sell Greenland, a move that risks inflaming trade tensions and straining transatlantic relations. Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz all emphasized that Europe will defend its sovereignty and respond in a coordinated manner. The White House announced that starting February 1, goods from Denmark, Sweden, Norway, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and the UK would face an additional 10% tariff, potentially rising to 25% by June, until Greenland…

Trump leaves military option on the table The United States has warned Iran that it is prepared to consider military action if authorities continue using deadly force against protesters. Speaking at an emergency UN Security Council session, US Ambassador Mike Waltz said President Donald Trump is a “man of action” and emphasized that “all options are on the table” to stop what Washington calls the mass killings of civilians. While the threat remains, Trump suggested the violence may be easing. Iran pushes back at the UN Iran’s deputy UN ambassador, Hossein Darzi, rejected US accusations, claiming Washington is interfering in…

European forces mobilize Troops from several European nations have begun arriving in Greenland, signaling increased attention to the Arctic island amid rising geopolitical tensions. France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, and other countries are participating in short-term reconnaissance and training exercises in Nuuk and surrounding areas. Officials describe the missions as a way to strengthen cooperation and prepare for potential security challenges in the region. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that additional French land, air, and naval units will join the exercises in the coming days. Greenland’s deputy prime minister noted that NATO forces would become more active in the region, conducting…

Economic Confrontation Rises to the TopThe World Economic Forum (WEF) has identified rising economic clashes between major powers — from tariffs to sanctions — as the most serious threat to global stability in 2026. Its latest Global Risks Report, released ahead of the WEF’s annual Davos meeting, surveyed more than 1,300 leaders and experts from business, government, academia, and civil society. Geoeconomic confrontation now ranks above misinformation, societal polarisation, extreme weather, and even armed conflict. Half of respondents expect a turbulent or stormy world over the next two years, up sharply from 36% last year, while just 9% foresee stability.…