MONOCLE RADIO (February 6, 2025): Jordan and Egypt lead reactions to a seismic shift in US foreign policy in the Middle East. Then: why Taiwan is sending marines to its airport, why Austria can’t form a government and why Nissan and Honda won’t be doing business together. Plus: arts news with Ben Luke.
Category Archives: News
The New York Times – Thursday, February 6, 2025
Trump’s Gaza Plan Is Unworkable, Analysts Say. Does He Really Mean It?
President Trump’s proposal to transfer millions of people out of Gaza was hailed by the Israeli right and condemned by Palestinians. Some experts say it may be a negotiating tactic.
Inside Trump’s Hastily Written Proposal to ‘Own’ Gaza
Although the president had been talking about the idea for weeks, there had been no meetings on the subject, and senior members of his government were taken by surprise.
Trump Signs Order Barring Transgender Student-Athletes From Women’s Sports
The president said schools that violated the order would jeopardize their federal funding.
New Leaders of Justice Dept. Move to Assert Control Over Agency
The department’s No. 2 official, Emil Bove, escalated his conflict with the interim leaders of the F.B.I., accusing them of “insubordination.”
News: A New Turkey-Syria Strategic Partnership, US Plan For Gaza “Takeover”
MONOCLE RADIO (February 5, 2025): As Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s transitional president, meets Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, we ask: what role is Turkey seeking to play when it comes to regional security?
Then we discuss Benjamin Netanyahu’s trip to the White House to see Donald Trump. Plus, a ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, former Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg makes a comeback in Norwegian politics and press freedom in Czechia.
The New York Times – Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025
Inside Musk’s Aggressive Incursion Into the Federal Government
The billionaire is creating major upheaval as his team sweeps through agencies, in what has been an extraordinary flexing of power by a private individual.
Elon Musk’s X Becomes Weapon in Government Cost Cutting
The billionaire has used the social media site to boast of victories, lash out at enemies and conduct polls for the initiative he calls the Department of Government Efficiency.
China Counters Trump’s Tariffs As Talks Remain in Limbo
After a 10 percent tariff on Chinese products took effect on Tuesday, China announced retaliatory measures, including tariffs and an investigation of Google.
Senate Panel Pushes Through Kennedy’s Nomination Along Party Lines
Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican torn between his concerns as a doctor and supporting President Trump, voted to send Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as health secretary to the full Senate.
News: South Korea Trial Of President Yoon, USAID Freeze Global Effects
MONOCLE RADIO (February 4, 2025): As the trial of South Korea’s impeached president continues, Monocle’s Seoul correspondent, Jeyup S Kwaak, and John Nilsson-Wright join Emma Nelson to discuss what comes next.
Also on the programme: is USAID doomed? We delve into the global consequences of freezing US aid. Then: after an eight-month wait, Belgium has a new government. What took it so long? Plus: all the winners from Sundance Film Festival and the Critics’ Choice Awards with Karen Krizanovich.
The New York Times – Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Mexico and Canada Reach Last-Minute Deal With Trump to Avert Trade War
President Trump agreed to delay tariffs on Mexico and Canada for a month after both countries pledged to do more to block drugs and migrants.
Trump Wields U.S. Power With Unclear Economic Consequences
The president sees the U.S. economy as a powerful lever against other countries but there are risks to that approach.
One Response to Trump’s Tariffs: Trade That Excludes the U.S.
A growing number of countries, including American allies, are striking trade deals as the Trump administration erects a higher fence around its global commerce.
Guantánamo Bay Prepares for President Trump’s Migrant Surge
About 300 servicemembers have arrived in recent days as the base faces its most drastic changes since the Pentagon opened a prison there after the Sept. 11 attacks.
News: Netanyahu Meets Trump In Washington, A Strategic Ukraine Battle
MONOCLE RADIO (February 3, 2025): Donald Trump will welcome Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House this week as the first foreign leader to visit since the inauguration. Then: the strategic battle for Ukraine’s Pokrovsk and why an obscure trading mechanism could bring the UK and EU closer. Plus: an interview with the makeup artist behind Oscar nominee ‘The Substance’.
The New York Times – Monday, February 3, 2025
Trump Tariffs Threaten to Upend Global Economic Order
The invoking of national security to unravel trade agreements could scramble the international trading system in China’s favor.
Trump Favors Blunt Force in Dealing With Foreign Allies and Enemies Alike
With Canada, Mexico, China, Colombia and the Middle East, President Trump has wasted no time threatening to use American might to force recalcitrant countries to back down and do what he wants.
Trump’s Tariffs Put China in a Difficult Spot
China chose swift retaliation for trade measures in the first Trump administration, but that led to an upward spiral of trade measures and much broader tariffs.
‘We Have No Coherent Message’: Democrats Struggle to Oppose Trump
More than 50 interviews with Democratic leaders revealed a party struggling to decide what it believes in, what issues to prioritize and how to confront an aggressive right-wing administration.
Listen to this article · 9:47
Sunday Morning: Stories From Zürich And Helsinki
MONOCLE RADIO (February 2, 2025): Tyler Brûlé is joined by Gorana Grgić and Chandra Kurt. We hear the latest from Monocle’s Helsinki correspondent, Petri Burtsoff, speak with ‘Zeit Magazin editorial director Christoph Amend and get an update on the art world from Aurelia Rauch.
The New York Times – Sunday, February 2, 2025
Trump Signs Orders Imposing Tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China
The president signed executive orders placing tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China that were set to take effect on Tuesday, a move that could lead to a new era of global tensions.
Life After a Rebel Takeover
For those living in Goma, which has been captured by Rwanda-backed rebels, there is little water, little food and much uncertainty.
How the World Is Reeling From Trump’s Aid Freeze
President Trump’s order to halt most foreign aid has intensified humanitarian crises and raised questions about the United States’ reliability as a global leader.
Beneath Trump’s Chaotic Spending Freeze: An Idea That Crosses Party Lines
There is a long, bipartisan history of attempts to rein in spending and address concerns about government inefficiencies, though the parties have grown increasingly divided about what to cut.
Boomers Daily 