TRAGEDY IN VENEZUELA Death toll from double earthquake strike in Venezuela rises to 188 25-06-2026 18:18 Venezuela mounts desperate search for survivors after twin quakes kill at least 188 and injure hundreds; Offers of rescue support, aid and condolences pour in.
AS I SEE IT The unsurprising fall of Keir Starmer 25-06-2026 16:22 From the word go, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer behaved as though he enjoyed the support of most of his country’s population, an illusion that was encouraged by the worshipful treatment he received from “progressives” in the media. by James Neilson
Foreign policy & diplomacy Milei settles Argentina's US$15-million UN debt 25-06-2026 00:14 Milei administration pays off Argentina’s outstanding US$15.6-million debt with the United Nations as campaigning for Rafael Grossi's secretary-general candidacy enters key stretch.
AS I SEE IT Israel gets thrown under the bus 20-06-2026 05:23 Unlike the US president and his business cronies, the Israelis have no illusions about the fanatical Iranian regime. by James Neilson
ECONOMY & POLITICS Argentina confirms awarding of concession for strategic Paraná-Paraguay waterway 19-06-2026 13:56 Government confirms consortium of Belgian company Jan De Nul and local firm Servimagnus will be granted a 25-year concession to dredge and maintain Paraguay-Paraná waterway.
Brazil election 2026 Lula says Trump 'should not meddle' in Brazil's upcoming elections 17-06-2026 21:54 Brazilian president says it's fine for Donald Trump to support the right-wing Bolsonaro family, but that he "should not meddle" in the nation's October presidential election.
CONFLICT IN MIDDLE EAST Trump says Hormuz Strait to reopen Friday under US-Iran deal 16-06-2026 14:06 Reopening of vital oil route would mark a major step toward ending months of deadly conflict and economic turmoil triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February.
ARGENTINA @ WORLD CUP 2026 Fans deploy 'asado' to challenge Kansas City's BBQ crown 15-06-2026 20:16 Argentina begin their World Cup defence in Kansas City, the self-styled global barbecue capital, but their fans insist they're already king of the grill.
AS I SEE IT Donald Trump and his Ukrainian bête noire 13-06-2026 05:34 Hard as it is for Trump to stomach, Zelenskyy has greatly distinguished himself as a war leader. As for Trump, unless he is very lucky, he could find his name permanently attached to a deal with the Iranians that will bring to mind Neville Chamberlain. by James Neilson
DIPLOMACY UK, Finland embassies speak up for freedom of press 12-06-2026 11:40 UK Ambassador to Argentina David Cairns and Finland's Ambassador to Argentina Nicola Lindertz celebrate Journalists' Day and speak up in defence of "a free, independent and pluralistic press."
CHINA & ARGENTINA On Argentina’s side of the Andes, Beijing builds a city for 5,000 miners 11-06-2026 18:54 Lundin Mining-BHP copper mining project in San Juan Province is moving ahead with unprecedented infrastructure work, but the construction of a modular complex in the Andes for thousands of workers has put national industries on alert. by Eugenia Muzio
FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 FIFA boss Gianni Infantino tries to sidestep World Cup controversies 11-06-2026 00:52 Under-fire FIFA boss defends tenure as globe’s favourite football tournament kicks off with highest-ever World Cup ticket prices; Infantino plays down Trump tensions after ejection of Somali referee, avoids giving answers at press conference.
WORLD CUP 2026 Trump says will attend World Cup matches as kick off nears 10-06-2026 14:47 World Cup kick off dogged by off-field distractions ranging from sky-high ticket prices to an immigration crackdown that has seen fans, team officials and a top Somali referee barred from entering the United States.
RACE FOR UN SECRETARY-GENERAL A woman in charge of the UN? Candidates feel it's about time 09-06-2026 21:03 Female challengers to be the next UN secretary-general outline why they think a woman should be next to lead the multilateral organisation.
THE POLITICS OF FOOTBALL World Cup nears kick off after pre-tournament turbulence 09-06-2026 09:59 The World Cup kicks off on Thursday with FIFA betting that the enduring appeal of the greatest footballing show on earth can overcome geopolitical tensions and ticket price fury.
Brazil election 2026 Trump looms large over Brazil's presidential election 09-06-2026 09:13 Given Trump's track record of throwing his weight behind his Latin American allies, a similar intervention in Brazil appears likely.
GEOPOLITICS & THE AMERICAS US-China rivalry is laid bare by a contract to deepen an Argentine river 07-06-2026 10:26 A government tender in Argentina underscored tensions between Washington and Beijing in Latin America as President Javier Milei’s administration awarded a 25-year contract to upgrade a key trade artery to a venture with a history of ties to China.
Economy & Agriculture Argentina pre-awards concession for strategic Paraná-Paraguay waterway 05-06-2026 10:34 Government awards concession for dredging and buoy maintenance on the Hidrovía Paraná-Paraguay waterway to consortium comprising Belgian company Jan De Nul and local firm Servimagnus.
AGRICULTURE & ECONOMY Jan de Nul wins contract to dig Argentina’s US$10-billion waterway 05-06-2026 10:25 Belgian dredger Jan de Nul NV and local partner Servimagnus SA win 25-year contract to upgrade Argentina's chief trade route in a concession overshadowed by accusations of Chinese influence.
AS I SEE IT Donald Trump and his doppelgänger 30-05-2026 05:12 Did Trump make a historic blunder when he chose to join Israel in what began as an attempt to overthrow the Iranian dictatorship? by James Neilson
World Cup 2026 Maverick Marcelo Bielsa faces Uruguay mutiny ahead of World Cup 28-05-2026 10:19 Marcelo Bielsa's unconventional methods risk ruining Uruguay's World Cup chances before the tournament has even begun.
HEALTH & DIPLOMACY World Health Organization members note Argentina's withdrawal letter 23-05-2026 09:49 World Health Organization’s member states acknowledge Argentina’s notification of withdrawal from UN agency, say will welcome continued cooperation from Buenos Aires.
EDITORIAL Political waters 23-05-2026 05:47 The gratuitous political contamination of what should be a purely technical issue may bring needless complications.
Trump eyeing Havana? US indicts former Cuban president Raúl Castro as pressure builds 20-05-2026 17:45 US Justice Department charges influential former president Raúl Castro over deadly 1996 downing of two civilian planes; Move reignites speculation that Trump will move for regime change in Cuba.
defence & military Argentina’s Navy signs agreement with US to boost South Atlantic vigilance 20-05-2026 17:07 Letter of intent signed this month aims at developing local capacities to patrol and control maritime spaces with a focus on illegal fishing.
Dredging bid row KKR consortium warns White House of ‘bias’ in US$10bn Argentina auction 19-05-2026 21:30 A consortium of dredging companies backed by KKR & Co complains to Trump administration, alleging in unfair conditions in bidding process for pivotal contract in Argentina.
POLITICS Milei attacks press, defends Espert after Machado plea deal 18-05-2026 10:42 President Javier Milei launches another assault on the press, denouncing a “media operation” by “trash” journalists against former lawmaker José Luis Espert; Attack comes after ‘Fred’ Machado pleads guilty to money-laundering and fraud in bid to avoid drug-trafficking charges
MALVINAS SOVEREIGNTY DISPUTE Malvinas veteran proposes US-backed joint sovereignty of islands 16-05-2026 06:10 Malvinas veteran Alejandro Diego proposes making the islands a self-governing body with the White House as a mediator; “All-or-nothing” approach means we have obtained nothing for 193 years, argues former Navy officer.
AS I SEE IT The UK founders in choppy waters 16-05-2026 05:47 Less than two years ago, the Conservatives, then led by Rishi Sunak, were booted out of office. Now it is the turn of Labour, which has just suffered what Barack Obama would describe as an almighty “shellacking” in a host of municipal elections. by James Neilson
INVESTMENT Milei approves RIGI incentives for lithium mine expansion with China ties 14-05-2026 17:22 Milei’s government clears joint venture led by China’s Ganfeng Lithium Group to invest US$1.24 billion in an expansion of its mine in the province of Jujuy along with partners Lithium Argentina AG, which has US-listed shares, and state-owned JEMSE.
AMERICAS Trump posts graphic of Venezuela as 51st US state 13-05-2026 11:01 Interim leader Delcy Rodríguez says Venezuela has "never" contemplated becoming the 51st US state, as suggested by US President Donald Trump.
WORLD CUP 2026 Messi in as Scaloni names 55-man longlist for World Cup squad 11-05-2026 13:06 Argentina skipper leads a preliminary 55-man shortlist as Argentina prepare to defend their title at World Cup 2026.
PRESIDENT IN UNITED STATES Milei to investors: ‘American dream is being reborn in US and Argentina’ 07-05-2026 00:45 President tells Milken Institute conference the "American dream" is being reborn under his government and to "bet on Argentina."
US-ARGENTINA RELATIONS Trump gives Milei another boost, ups Argentina’s IP rating 06-05-2026 22:53 United States government improves Argentina’s ratings for the protection of and respect for intellectual property rights for first time in three decades.
AS I SEE IT When political rhetoric boils over 02-05-2026 00:35 The US may not be heading towards a full-blown civil war, but unless its leaders, especially Trump, tone down their rhetoric, it could soon see a repeat of the 1960s by James Neilson
INTERNATIONAL CRIME RING CLAMPDOWN Child sex abuse crackdown in 16 countries, including Argentina, leads to 84 arrests 29-04-2026 11:10 Major international operation against sexual exploitation of children and teenagers; 84 arrests across 17 provinces, including the Buenos Aires City;
MILITARY & DEFENCE Argentina’s Navy conducts military exercises with US aircraft carrier 28-04-2026 20:59 Argentina’s Navy has begun a series of military manoeuvres in the South Atlantic alongside forces from the United States.
ENVIRONMENT & CLIMATE Nations to kick off world-first fossil fuel exit talks 28-04-2026 11:42 Two-day conference in Santa Marta, Colombia, bypasses the United Nations climate talks and reflects a growing impatience with its failure to tackle fossil fuels, the main driver of global warming.
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK UN body trims Latin America growth outlook on Middle East conflict 28-04-2026 10:40 United Nations body CEPAL/ECLAC warns of weaker expansion, rising inflation pressures as oil shock ripples through regional economies.
AS I SEE IT The President and the Pope 25-04-2026 06:31 Trump was paying the pontiff a compliment by taking him seriously. Instead of treating Leo’s remarks as the maunderings of an unworldly holy man who should be praised for his idealism and then ignored, as so many regularly do, he thought the Pope’s allusions were worth responding to. by James Neilson
MALVINAS SOVEREIGNTY DISPUTE US confirms its neutrality on Malvinas after reported Pentagon memo 24-04-2026 22:39 Washington’s “position on islands remains one of neutrality,” says US State Department; UK Foreign Secretary reiterates “Falkland Islands are British.”
RACE FOR UN SECRETARY-GENERAL UN leadership hopefuls stress need for peace and restoring confidence 23-04-2026 11:55 Contenders for next UN secretary-general make their case this week for a United Nations more invested in peace.
TRADE & COMMERCE Mercosur to reconsider Venezuela’s membership, Brazil says 23-04-2026 11:36 Mercosur is set to discuss Venezuela’s possible return to the South American trade bloc as countries warm to Caracas following Nicolás Maduro's ouster.
COURTS YPF investors say they’ll arbitrate $16-billion Argentina case 22-04-2026 23:58 Former YPF investors who saw US$16.1-billion US judgment against Argentina thrown out on appeal last month tell trial judge that they intend to pursue international treaty arbitration and further appeals.
DIPLOMATIC ROW US and Chinese envoys in Argentina clash over influence in region 22-04-2026 15:33 Chinese Embassy in Argentina accuses US Ambassador Peter Lamelas of “ideological prejudices” and defamation after Washington’s envoy warned about advance of Asian giant.
WORLD CUP 2026 Fifty days out, who is guaranteed to make Argentina’s World Cup squad? 22-04-2026 12:24 Coach Lionel Scaloni has the majority of his squad for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico decided – a look at the problematic positions and how many spots are up for grabs.
RACE FOR UN SECRETARY-GENERAL Rafael Grossi pitches ‘enlightened pragmatism’ for fractured UN 21-04-2026 21:49 IAEA chief warns of growing distrust in the United Nations while outlining a more “pragmatic” approach to global crises; UN is not going in the right direction, he warns, offering “impartial” leadership and a front-footed approach to global crises. by James Grainger
HUMAN RIGHTS Amnesty warns of ‘predatory’ world order as leaders fuel crisis 21-04-2026 11:39 Human rights group says global protection system built over last 80 years faces potential collapse as governments fail to act against abuses; Amnesty's chief warns Trump, Putin and Netanyahu are "predators" and must not be appeased.
PRESIDENT IN ISRAEL Milei says US-Israel war against Iran is 'right thing to do' 20-04-2026 09:16 President praises United States and Israel for “war on terrorism” against Iran and its proxies; Milei and Netanyahu launch ‘Isaac Accords’ to unite nations with “Judeo-Christian values.”
RACE FOR UN SECRETARY-GENERAL 'Save humanity': A look at the four figures battling it out to lead the United Nations 20-04-2026 06:51 Argentina's Rafael Grossi, Chile's Michelle Bachelet, Costa Rican Rebeca Grynspan and Senegal's Macky Sall will each face grillings by 193 member states and NGOs this week as the race to become UN secretary-general heats up.