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Just before midnight on Monday, Peruvian President Pedro Castillo appeared on television to declare an unprecedented state of emergency for Lima, the capital. Russian President Vladimir Putin may have taken aim at Ukraine, but he is creating instability across the entire planet. [Extracted from the article]

Despite the country's debt burden, the Rajapaksas haveslashed value-added taxes nearly in half, mostlyeliminated capital gains taxes and given special cuts tocertain industries, thereby shrinking state revenues. Populist politicians, who have been sweeping to power incountries across the globe, build their appeal partly onclaims that they will base their policies on the needsand interests of the people. [Extracted from the article]

Making matters worse, as the show trials unfolded, Ortega also extended his crackdown to the last bastion for criticism of Ortega's rule: private universities. Nicaragiian President Daniel Ortega surprised precisely no one last year when he won yet another term in an election so farcical it verged on grotesque. [Extracted from the article]

But the fact that 40 members of parliament, mostly Rajapaksa loyalists, abstained demonstrates the power that the Rajapaksa family still retains, despite the ignominious escape from Sri Lanka of the most senior members of the clan. In addition, and complicating the picture, current President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who replaced Gotabaya after he fled in July, is a long-time Rajapaksa ally, which also helps explain how Gotabaya was able to return to the country in September. [Extracted from the article]

In 2014, after firstdenying Russia's presence in Crimea and later declaring it hadno intention of annexing the territory(https://www.wtvr.com/2014/03/04/putin-russia-has-no-plans-to-annex-ukraines-crimea-region/),Putin deployed a host of rhetoricalcontortions to justify the seizure. When the Soviet Union collapsed three decades ago, theEuropean security architecture suddenly became uncertain, itsfuture put in play. [Extracted from the article]

President Joe Biden took office last year during one of the most turbulent times the United States had experienced in decades. On the campaign trail, Biden promised to reinstate the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran that had been negotiated under then-President Barack Obama and discarded by former President Donald Trump. Of all the foreign policy challenges Biden -- and the United States -- will face in 2022, none is more important than solving the crisis of democracy at home. [Extracted from the article]

When leftist schoolteacher Pedro Castillo became president ofPeru in July, having won the election by a hair's breadth theprevious month, it didn't require uncommon insight to predictthat, sooner or later, the right wing would seek to impeach himand remove him from office. Since his campaign, Castillo hashighlighted his ties to Peru's mountainous farming communities, adopting traditional rural attire--notably alarge broad-brimmed hat--as part of his trademark persona. [Extracted from the article]

It's never a good sign for a country's leader whenfluctuations in the value of the national currency becomea dominant concern for everyday people. That is the casetoday in Turkey, where President Recep Tayyip Erdogan istaking a huge gamble with his monetary policy, setting acontroversial interest rate policy that runs contrary tofirmly established economic theory and has caused thelocal currency, the lira, to nosedive. [Extracted from the article]

The article informs on the ongoing process of political repression in Nicaragua. It mentions that Joao Maldonado, a Nicaraguan political activist was shot multiple rounds, after he helped organize the 2018 pro-democracy protests led by Ortega, his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, and their children. It also mentions that attempted assassination of Maldonado, if indeed ordered by the Ortega clan, would mark a new and dangerous escalation.

The article reports that Nayib Bukele, El Salvador's millennial president, is used to making decisions that ring alarm bells among democracy advocates while triggering unprecedented effect of producing sharp rebukes across multiple sectors with National Assembly. Topics include excitement in the world of Bitcoin devotees to make cryptocurrency legal tender; and reaction from financial analysts and development specialists with opposition of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

The article reports that Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro has set out on a path that puts him on a collision course with democracy for Brazil's next presidential election. Topics include former U.S. President Donald Trump, is prepared to put his personal political fortune ahead of the country's democracy and stability; and controversial far-right president had a close encounter with the second possibility assassin during 2018 presidential campaign.

The article informs about collapse of Afghanistan's North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)-backed government in the wake of the departure of U.S. forces cast a sharp, critical spotlight on U.S. President Joe Biden. Topics include the American president was the Western leader who came under enormous political pressure outside of Kabul's international airport; and multiple governments are struggling to defend themselves against waves of criticism.

The article reports that the return of the Taliban to power sparked panic in Afghanistan and sent shockwaves around the world. Topics include considered that with U.S. military forces takes control of the Kabul airport and the evacuation of foreign nationals and thousands of Afghans proceeding, important questions loom about the future of Afghanistan and the impact of the convulsive events that unfolded over the past few days.

The article focuses on the results of the U.S. President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw all its military forces from Afghanistan. It mentions that views of Afghan Politician Fawzia Koofi, on security of Afghanistan affects not only Afghanistan but the whole world. It mentions that Taliban's onslaught has been further energized with the pullout by U.S. and NATO troops.

The article focuses on the challenges faced by the Peruvian President Pedro Castillo as a result of the country's complex political realities. It mentions Castillo's promises to rebuild Peru's COVID-19 pandemic-devastated economy, boost the coronavirus vaccination effort and tackle the country's profound inequality helped power his election.

The article focuses on the Biden administration's strategy to combat mass migration from Central America by tackling its "root causes" suffered a harsh blow in Guatemala. It mentions that Guatemalan lawyer Juan Francisco Sandoval's ouster prompted street protests and demands for the resignation of President Alejandro Giammattei and Attorney General Consuelo Porras.

The article presents the discussion on primary elections in Chile bringing a sigh of relief to those in Latin America anxious about growing polarization in the countries promoting social justice, environmentalist practices, economic decentralization, and women's rights.

The article presents the discussion on Latin America needs vaccines and money. Topics include multilateral organizations urging the rich nations purchasing most of the vaccine supplies; combination of high urban population density, inadequate health infrastructure, poverty, and corruption; and unraveling years of economic growth and progress in the fight against poverty.

The article reports on the sharp criticisms by European countries against the new anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) law approved by the Hungarian parliament and signed by Prime Minister Viktor Orban as of July 2021. The law is viewed as a critical violation of democratic norms. Also noted are Orban's defense that the law aims to provide parental responbility for sex education and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte's claim that Orban should leave the European Union (EU).

The article presents the discussion on regime-anointed candidate in Iran's presidential election. Topics include increasing the stockpiles of low-enriched uranium and enriching some uranium to a level of purity closer to that required for nuclear weapons production; and cementing the revolution's goals putting in a position for committing human rights organizations characterizing as crimes against humanity.

The article presents the discussion on the meeting of U.S. President Joe Biden with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the NATO summit. Topics include Biden administration speaking out firmly against human rights violations by Erdogan's regime and the assaults on democratic rivals; and combination of the coronavirus pandemic and the economic mismanagement creating serious problems by undercutting the economic performance.

The article focuses on turbulent and unstable political climate in Peru before presidential election. It mentions promise made by Pedro Castillo, a hard-line leftist, schoolteacher and union activist and number of those ballots were not a vote of confidence in him as much as a sign of revulsion toward his opponent. It also mentions cost of endemic corruption, as collapsing health services and logistical calamities led to shortages of everything from medical oxygen to hospital beds.

The article discusses the rise in popular anger in Peru and South America due to increase in death toll due to COVID-19 Pandemic. It mentions pandemic has thrown South American politics into disarray, creating a dangerously unpredictable future for a region that had until recently stood on the cusp of genuine social progress. It also mentions Ivan Duque, President of Peru, will shift his economic program ahead of 2022 presidential election.

The article focuses on transgression by the Belarusian dictator President Alexander Lukashenko with transnational repression. It mentions Lukashenko personally ordered the military aircraft to scramble into action, claiming there might be a bomb aboard the Ryanair flight and prominent figures in the Belarusian pro-democracy movement, have sought refuge abroad. It also mentions civilian air traffic control system and a transparently bogus ruse to trample over civilian aviation rules.

The article offers information about the evidence of how corruption and incompetence can roll out the red carpet for authoritarianism in El Salvador. It mentions that President of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele efforts for controlling the corruption and violence. It discusses that U.S. president, Joe Biden administration has been prepared to spend to help improve conditions in the so-called Northern Triangle countries of Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador.

Georgia is currently experiencing a conflict between the majority of its population, who want to join the European Union (EU), and the ruling Georgia Dream party, which has been aligning itself with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Tensions escalated when Georgia Dream announced its intention to pass a controversial "foreign agents" law, which requires NGOs receiving more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad to register with the government and open their books to authorities. Critics argue that the law is an attempt to weaken civil society and sabotage Georgia's EU aspirations. The bill has faced widespread international condemnation, with the EU stating that it is incompatible with EU membership. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the shifting positions of French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz regarding support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's invasion. Macron initially called for dialogue and warned against "humiliating" Russia, but has since become more supportive of Ukraine. On the other hand, Scholz initially announced a turning point in Germany's defense spending but has been hesitant to provoke Russia. The article highlights the divisions among European countries and the impact on Ukraine's defense. [Extracted from the article]

Iran recently held elections that were widely regarded as sham elections, lacking democratic legitimacy. The opposition launched a successful boycott effort, resulting in low voter turnout and a significant number of blank or spoiled ballots. The Guardian Council, which vets candidates, ensured that there was no room for candidates seeking to change the country's social, religious, political, or foreign policies. As a result, hardliners remain in control of the government, and the elections are unlikely to bring about any meaningful change. [Extracted from the article]

Claudia Sheinbaum, the ruling Morena party's candidate for president of Mexico, is the strong favorite to win the upcoming election and continue the policies of her mentor, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO). While Sheinbaum's campaign echoes AMLO's approach to governance, there are significant differences between the two leaders. Sheinbaum is a pragmatist with a background in science and academia, and she has a commitment to combating poverty and inequality. Sheinbaum's approach to environmental and energy policy, as well as security, is likely to diverge from AMLO's. However, it remains to be seen how Sheinbaum will balance her devotion to democracy with the desire to strengthen her own power. [Extracted from the article]

The possibility of a second Trump presidency is causing anxiety among U.S. allies in Asia, particularly in Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. These countries have relied on U.S. security assurances for decades and are concerned about the reliability of those promises in the future. The fate of a $95 billion package, which includes funding for Ukraine and Taiwan, will send messages about Washington's reliability as an ally. President Joe Biden has been vocal about supporting Taiwan, but there are doubts about the future of U.S. commitments if Trump were to return to office. Japan is also worried about the economic consequences of a protectionist and isolationist second Trump administration. [Extracted from the article]

Europe's far-right parties have differing views on Russian President Vladimir Putin and the situation in Ukraine. While some leaders, like Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, are supporters of Putin and have been hesitant to endorse aid for Ukraine, others, such as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, have taken a strong stance in support of Ukraine. The far-right parties across Europe generally share anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim policies, but they are divided when it comes to Putin and Ukraine. This divide is evident in countries like Austria, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Finland, and Spain, where far-right leaders have varying positions on Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the need to support Ukraine. [Extracted from the article]

Geert Wilders, the leader of the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) in the Netherlands, has seen a surge in popularity despite the collapse of government-formation talks. The PVV won 37 seats in the November elections, but forming a majority coalition has proven difficult. Recent polls show support for the PVV growing stronger, with the party projected to win 50 seats if elections were held now. While Dutch politicians remain cautious, Dutch voters are moving further to the right, signaling a shift in the country's political landscape. [Extracted from the article]

China's economic slowdown is having significant consequences for Latin America, which had become increasingly dependent on China's economic growth over the past two decades. China's emergence as an economic force in the region allowed it to strengthen its political and diplomatic influence, displacing the United States as the top trading partner in South America. However, the slowdown in China's economy has become a major obstacle for Latin America's efforts to recover from the pandemic. This presents an opportunity for the United States to restore its primacy in trade and undercut China's support for authoritarian governments in the region. Latin America's proximity to the U.S. and the cultural similarities between the two regions make the U.S. an attractive alternative to China for trade and economic partnerships. [Extracted from the article]

Mexico's upcoming general election in June, where nearly 100 million voters will choose a new president and Congress, is of great importance to the United States. The next president of Mexico, who will be a woman, will have to navigate the country's internal problems as well as the negative attention it receives from the U.S. Managing ties with the U.S. will be a significant part of her portfolio, and the success or failure of her policies and Mexico's economy will have a considerable impact on the United States. The two main candidates, Claudia Sheinbaum and Xochitl Galvez, have different policies and backgrounds, with Sheinbaum being a left-leaning technocrat and Galvez proposing to promote private investment and trade. The next Mexican president will also have to address the problems and opportunities arising from Mexico's position as the gateway to the United States, including immigration and trade. A prosperous, safe, and democratic Mexico is in the national interest of the United States. [Extracted from the article]

It's a widely acknowledged truth that when the UnitedStates' economy sneezes, many countries catch a cold. Andso it is with this week's interest rate hike by theFederal Reserve in Washington, whose efforts to containinflation in the U.S. are sure to create new problems foralready battered economies and families in less affluentcountries. [Extracted from the article]

The article reports on Venezuela is increasingly becoming a land of militias, warlords and criminal gangs under Nicolás Maduro, president of Venezuela. Topics discussed include decline in gross domestic product, illicit trafficking across the border of country, and Maduro's role has been reduced to managing Venezuela's balkanization.

The article reports that Peruvians heads to the polls for a presidential runoff election, the acclaimed novelist Mario Vargas Llosa likened the choice voters faced between the two remaining candidates to that between AIDS and cancer. Topics include examines that several candidates were on the ballot, ensuring a thoroughly fragmented vote and an unpredictable result.

The article presents the discussion on Israelis delineating the parties political contours on the basis of ideology. Topics include distinction being based on parties preferences playing the role in economy; and vaccine rollout allowing Israelis for returning to normal life while the rest of the world struggling with the pandemic.

The article talks about the parliamentary elections that were held in Netherlands in March 2021. It mentions that Netherlands has strengthened the position of Prime Minister Mark Rutte and his center-right People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD). It mentions that Netherlands has not performed well in battling the Covid-19 pandemic and rolling out the Covid-19 vaccine.