Episodios

  • Iran's new supreme leader vows to keep blocking Strait of Hormuz
    Mar 24 2026
    Leadership Transition in Iran Following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, 2026, during joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes (dubbed "Operation Epic Fury"), Iran underwent a swift and tense succession process:
    • Appointment: On March 9, 2026, the 88-member Assembly of Experts officially appointed Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader's second son, as the new Supreme Leader.

    • Defiant Stance: In his first major public address on March 12, Mojtaba Khamenei took an aggressive tone, vowing to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed—a move that effectively blockades one of the world's most vital energy chokepoints.

    • Demands: He has demanded the immediate closure of all U.S. military bases in the Middle East and threatened continued "retaliation" for the "blood of martyrs," seeking compensation for damages or the seizure of "enemy property."

    Market & Energy Impact The closure of the Strait and subsequent attacks have sent shockwaves through global energy markets:

    • Oil Prices: Brent crude surged past $100 a barrel shortly after the announcement and has since climbed toward $120 as supply fears intensify.

    • Iraqi Shutdown: Following a deadly drone/missile attack on a vessel at the Basra port on March 12, Iraq halted operations at all its oil terminals. This has removed approximately 3.3 million barrels per day from the global supply.

    • Shipping: Maritime traffic through the Strait has dropped to nearly zero as insurance rates spiked 400% to 600%, and major firms suspended operations in the Persian Gulf.


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    1 h y 33 m
  • Annalene Baerbock Speaking on Gender Equality
    Mar 19 2026
    Annalena Baerbock, who ascended from Germany's Foreign Minister to the prestigious President of the UN General Assembly in late 2025, has firmly established herself as the foremost global voice warning against the escalating "backlash" against gender equality. Her rhetoric moves beyond traditional human rights frameworks, positioning women’s rights not as a peripheral issue, but as a core metric for international security and democratic stability.1. The "Barometer" Theory: Gender Equality as a Security Indicator
    Baerbock's central thesis, often dubbed the "Barometer Theory," asserts that the status of women is a predictive index for the health of a democracy and a nation's propensity for external aggression. This framework reframes the fight for gender equality as a matter of national and global security.
    • The Precursor to Aggression: Baerbock repeatedly highlights the systematic repression of women and the concomitant stifling of domestic dissent as crucial early warning signs of forthcoming authoritarianism and international belligerence. She points to the actions of Russia as a potent, tragic example. The dismantling of civil society, including organizations dedicated to women's and minority rights, she argues, paved the way for the ultimate invasion of Ukraine.
    • The Core Logic: The phrase, "If women are not safe, no one is safe," has become the philosophical bedrock of her diplomatic efforts. The argument is that any society that systemically devalues and marginalizes half of its population is inherently fractured, unstable, and therefore more susceptible to internal violence and external military adventurism. A state that controls the bodies and lives of its female citizens is a state that will readily seek to control others.


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    1 h y 30 m
  • Airstrike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Girls' School
    Mar 16 2026
    Incident Details The Shajareh Tayyebeh elementary school was struck during its morning session on the first day of a wider military offensive against Iran. Verified footage and satellite imagery show that the school building was decimated, with the roof collapsing on students. Reports from local medics and witnesses suggest a "double tap" or "triple tap" strike, where a secondary missile hit the area as students and staff were attempting to evacuate or take shelter in a prayer room. The school is located adjacent to a military complex belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy. While the school had been walled off from the base since at least 2016, it appears to have been included in strike packages targeting the base. Official Responses and Attribution 1. Iranian Government Iranian state media and President Masoud Pezeshkian have unequivocally blamed a "U.S.-Israeli airstrike" for the massacre. Iranian authorities claim the remains of the munitions have been recovered and analyzed. 2. United States
    • Initial Response: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the Pentagon was "investigating" the reports but maintained that the U.S. does not target civilians.
    • Internal Findings: Preliminary internal U.S. military assessments, reported by The New York Times and Reuters, suggest the U.S. was "likely" responsible. Officials cited the use of outdated intelligence that incorrectly identified the school as still being part of the active IRGC military installation.
    • Presidential Statement: On March 7, President Donald Trump claimed without evidence that the strike was likely a "failed IRGC interception" or an "inaccurate" Iranian missile, a claim later challenged by independent weapons experts.
    3. Israel The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have stated they were not operating in the Minab area at the time of the strike and have "found no connection" to their operations.

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    1 h y 13 m
  • Tim Hodgson Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Unlocking Canada’s critical minerals
    Mar 11 2026
    This substantial federal investment is projected to unlock an impressive $434 million in Canadian project capital, providing a significant economic boost that will be felt truly from coast to coast. These figures are not just statistics; they represent a transformational injection of capital with the power to revitalize both the national economy and our vital industrial sector.
    Crucially, these financial commitments are strategically aligned to support Canada’s long-term vision articulated in our new Defence Industrial Strategy. This strategy is a blueprint for national prosperity and security, focusing on strengthening Canada’s defence industrial base to foster economic growth and technological superiority.
    The overall investment is meticulously broken down across four key strategic programs, targeting critical areas for future growth and sustainability:1. Critical Minerals Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D)
    • Investment: More than $25 million
    • Goal: This funding is designed to aggressively drive innovation and advance cutting-edge technologies within the critical minerals sector. It directly supports research into new extraction, processing, and manufacturing techniques, ensuring Canada remains a global leader in the supply chain for essential minerals required for green technology and high-tech manufacturing.
    2. Energy Innovation Program (EIP)
    • Investment: Nearly $18 million
    • Goal: The EIP funding is focused on accelerating the development and deployment of clean energy and advanced mining technologies. The core objectives are multifaceted: to enhance resource reliability, improve affordability for consumers and industry, bolster the competitiveness of Canadian energy and mining exports, and achieve substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions across these sectors.
    3. Indigenous Natural Resource Partnerships Program
    • Investment: Nearly $3 million
    • Goal: This vital program is dedicated to strengthening and increasing Indigenous economic participation within the mining sector. The investment supports partnerships, capacity building, and business development initiatives, ensuring that Indigenous communities directly benefit from and have meaningful input into natural resource development projects on their traditional territories.
    4. Critical Minerals Geoscience and Data Initiative
    • Investment: More than $2 million
    • Goal: This strategic initiative aims to fundamentally enhance the accessibility and quality of geoscientific data available to explorers and investors. By generating new, high-quality insights and comprehensive datasets, the program significantly reduces the inherent risk associated with mineral exploration, thereby encouraging private sector investment and accelerating the discovery of new critical mineral deposits.
    In summary, this targeted investment package represents a comprehensive federal strategy to modernize Canada's industrial and resource sectors, drive clean innovation, ensure long-term national security, and promote inclusive economic growth.

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    1 h y 33 m
  • Canada Stand in the Middle East
    Mar 9 2026
    Tokyo, Japan - Wrapping up a rigorous 10-day, three-country tour aimed at expanding Canadian market access in Asia, Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed reporters on Saturday in Tokyo, focusing heavily on the escalating security situation in the Middle East. He confirmed that, as of yet, Canada has not received any formal requests for military assistance or aid from Persian Gulf states, stating that he does not "necessarily anticipate those requests."
    Carney's comments come against a backdrop of rising regional instability, primarily fueled by the Iran conflict, which was initially sparked by recent military strikes carried out by the US and Israel. This situation has heightened concerns among Canada's regional allies. Just days prior, on Thursday, Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan publicly acknowledged that Gulf partners "may require defence and support" in light of the ongoing hostilities.
    A Contradictory Stance and Domestic Division
    The Prime Minister's handling of the crisis has drawn significant criticism domestically. Carney initially offered support for the US and Israeli strikes but subsequently expressed reservations, questioning whether the actions breached international law—a perceived contradiction that has fueled political debate.
    This policy ambivalence appears to reflect a divided public. A newly released Angus Reid poll indicates a sharp split among Canadians, with 48% voicing opposition to greater Canadian involvement or the government's current posture, compared to 35% who remain supportive. Adding to the scrutiny, prominent voices, including former Liberal Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy and current Liberal MP Will Greaves, have publicly criticized Carney's evolving stance as contradictory and lacking clarity.
    Upcoming Parliamentary Showdown
    The return of Parliament next week is set to bring the Middle East policy under intense scrutiny. The New Democrats have already signaled their intent to force a debate on the conflict and Canada's role, ensuring that the government will face immediate questions upon the session's resumption.
    In anticipation of this challenge, Mr. Carney has been reiterating that Canada's foremost priority remains the protection and evacuation of its citizens from the volatile region. He stressed that diplomatic "talks continue with Gulf leaders" to ensure the safety of Canadian nationals and coordinate a peaceful resolution where possible.
    Trade and Trump Define the Tour
    Beyond the immediate crisis, Mr. Carney’s lengthy tour was primarily focused on economic diplomacy. Analysts suggest that a major, though often downplayed, component of the trip was managing relations with the United States under President Donald Trump. While the Prime Minister sought to expand trade with Asian nations, his overall approach is widely seen as being shaped by the imperative of safeguarding Canada’s position in North America.
    This was evident in his consistent downplaying of separate, ongoing US-Mexico talks concerning the upcoming review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a key trade pact that is foundational to the Canadian economy. The need to maintain stable relations with the Trump administration, according to observers, remains the central constraint guiding the Prime Minister’s foreign policy decisions.

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    1 h y 15 m
  • British Columbia Premier’s statement on online activity and Tumbler Ridge tragedy
    Mar 2 2026
    Premier David Eby has released the following statement in response to media reports regarding OpenAI and the shooting in Tumbler Ridge: “Reports that allege OpenAI had related intelligence before the shootings in Tumbler Ridge took place are profoundly disturbing for the victims’ families and all British Columbians. “The pain that these families have gone through is unimaginable. “We have confirmed with police that they are pursuing orders regarding the preservation of any potential evidence related to the shootings in Tumbler Ridge held by digital services companies, including social media platforms and AI companies. “I urge anyone with any information regarding this incident to immediately contact police and provide their full co-operation. “We will use all powers of government to ensure that police have the tools they need to investigate every aspect of this horrific tragedy.” Premier David Eby has issued the following statement marking Pink Shirt Day: “Today, as British Columbians wear pink to stand up against bullying, we do so during a time of deep sorrow. Our thoughts remain with the students, educators and families in Tumbler Ridge, who are marking this day under the weight of profound loss. In moments like this, the importance of safe, caring and connected school communities has never felt more urgent. “Pink Shirt Day started in response to a student experiencing homophobic and transphobic bullying. Since then, it has become a wider movement about making our schools and our society places where everyone feels safe, supported and celebrated for who they are. “As a parent of school-age kids, Pink Shirt Day hits close to home. Like so many families, we talk around the kitchen table about what it means to be kind, to stand up for others and to ask for help when something doesn’t feel right. “While we have made progress, bullying remains a serious and evolving challenge, particularly in the digital world. Online harassment and exploitation can follow young people everywhere, and we have seen some heartbreaking consequences here in B.C. “That is why our government is focused on keeping kids safe. We are taking action to address online harms, improve school safety, strengthen mental-health supports and ensure our education system is inclusive and welcoming for students. “Pink Shirt Day is a reminder that preventing bullying isn’t just about one day – it’s about the choices we make every day. Choosing to listen. Choosing to speak up. Choosing kindness, especially when it matters most. “Today, my family and I will wear pink and keep those conversations going around the kitchen table. I encourage everyone in British Columbia to do the same. When we stand together, we send a powerful message to every child: You are valued, you are supported and you belong.” Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care, said: “Pink Shirt Day reminds us to come together – to stand up against bullying – and to support school communities where every student feels safe, respected and included. Today, throughout British Columbia, people are choosing to show kindness in their words and actions. “This day comes during a period of deep sadness for many. Our thoughts are with the people of Tumbler Ridge, who are observing this day while continuing to process an unimaginable loss. We hold them in our hearts and stand with them in their grief. “As parents and caregivers, we all want our children to feel safe being themselves, to feel included and to know they belong. When schools are welcoming and supportive, students are better able to learn, build confidence and form positive relationships that carry with them throughout their lives. “This day also reminds us that preventing bullying is an ongoing responsibility we all share. By listening to student voices, supporting one another and taking action every day, we can continue building communities where everyone feels welcome and valued.” As the Province looks to reduce its reliance on the United States for trade, legislation before the house, if passed, will provide the Province with the tools needed to directly invest in high-impact private-sector projects through a $400-million B.C. Strategic Investment Fund. “As the federal government looks for projects to boost forestry, defence and shipbuilding, our goal is to make British Columbia businesses are at the front of the line,” said Premier David Eby. “By incentivizing large private-sector projects and participating in the upside, we can make sure people in our province are benefiting through high paying jobs and revenue for stronger services.” Currently, government’s ability to support private-sector companies is limited to providing grants, with little to no direct revenue upside for the Province. Other jurisdictions, including Ontario, Quebec, the governments of Canada and the U.S., have more funding flexibility, such as:taking equity in companiesissuing ...
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    1 h y 14 m
  • Human rights are under assault globally, says UN Secretary General
    Feb 25 2026
    • Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as 'El Mencho', was killed in a military raid in Jalisco after being seriously injured in a shootout, dying during an air transfer to Mexico City.
    • The US provided intelligence support for the operation, as confirmed by Mexico's Defence Ministry.
    • The US had designated the Jalisco New Generation Cartel as a terrorist organization and offered a reward for information leading to Oseguera's capture.
    • Following Oseguera's death, violent protests with roadblocks and burning vehicles occurred in Jalisco and other states.

    • At the Human Rights Council opening in Geneva, Guterres warned human rights are under attack globally and said `This assault is not coming from the shadows. It is happening in plain sight—and often led by those who hold the greatest power`.
    • Guterres blamed political choices and donor shifts, citing US President Donald Trump's 2025 aid cuts and other major donors' follow suit, weakening rights enforcement.
    • Across conflicts from Sudan to Myanmar, Guterres pointed to mass civilian suffering and said, "Humanitarian needs are exploding while funding collapses," targeting refugees, LGBTIQ+ communities, minorities, and indigenous peoples.
    • The U.N. human rights office is now in "survival mode", Guterres said, as funding shortages blocked two 2025 investigations and Washington paid about $160 million of over $4 billion owed.
    • Looking ahead, climate and AI pose accelerating threats to rights, the UN warned as António Guterres and Volker Türk said the two-state solution is being stripped away in broad daylight amid rising domination.


    • The United States will withdraw from the U.N. Human Rights Council and will not resume funding for the U.N. agency helping Palestinian refugees, as announced by President Donald Trump.
    • The U.S. previously left the Human Rights Council last year and cut funding to UNRWA after allegations from Israel that it housed Hamas militants, which UNRWA denies.
    • Trump's announcement coincided with a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who claims both the rights body and UNRWA are biased against Israel.
    • The decision to end funding to UNRWA follows legislation that halted American funding until March 2025, confirming it will not be restored under Trump.


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    1 h y 13 m
  • Canada get tough on foriegn extortion
    Feb 21 2026
    Minister Hodgson reaffirmed Canada’s enduring commitment to transatlantic stability and Arctic co-operation. The Minister and the Commissioner discussed further co-operation on multilateral critical minerals mechanisms, including the Critical Minerals Production Alliance and Critical Minerals Action Plan. Building on the direction provided in the EU–Canada Strategic Partnership of the Future launched in June 2025, the Minister and Commissioner discussed EU instruments that could facilitate enhanced Canada–EU trade and investment, including the EU’s aggregate liquefied natural gas (LNG) purchasing mechanism.


    “Extortion is a serious crime that harms Canadians, businesses, and communities. Our government is strengthening financial intelligence and working closely with law enforcement and financial institutions to better detect and disrupt extortion, support investigations, and help protect Canadians.” - The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue

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    1 h y 42 m