Newsletter Archive

Imagine a world where almost everyone can be tracked, and everything can be seen by cameras linked directly to China’s government. A company controlled by the Chinese government is now the world’s largest supplier of video surveillance equipment, with internet-enabled cameras installed in more than 100 countries. In the United States alone, the company’s surveillance systems can be found in prisons, airports, private homes, public schools and places with sensitive national security concerns.

President-elect Donald Trump’s vast financial assets threaten to embroil him in conflicts of interest throughout his term. Critics contend that Trump’s monetary interests both at home and abroad could cast doubt on the motives behind his decisions as commander in chief, and have the potential to undermine his presidency.

China’s gain? President-elect Donald Trump’s vow to kill the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) on his first day in office, means abandoning a massive trade deal that was key to President Barack Obama’s re-engagement with Asian nations. From Bangkok, Thailand, VOA examines the possible ripple effects of a U.S. retreat from the TPP, which could include clearing the path for China to expand its trade influence.

‘Worst deal ever negotiated’ is how candidate Donald Trump referred to the Iran nuclear deal. Legally, the new president can walk away from the pact, which is non-binding. However, Republicans and other long-time opponents of the Iran agreement are now backtracking on calls to scrap the deal. Here’s what they want instead.

Russia is poised to secure its spot as the world’s largest wheat exporter, having outpaced the United States last season for the first time in decades. In Moscow, VOA explores whether, in its race to the top, Russia is sacrificing quality for quantity.

Islamic State is looking for safe havens elsewhere, especially the AF-Pak region, now that it is under siege from coalition forces in Iraq and Syria. The terror group, which claimed responsibility for Monday’s suicide bombing of a Shiite mosque in Kabul, is expanding its presence in Afghanistan. And in Pakistan, authorities say recent arrests of IS members in several parts of Pakistan show the terror group is establishing a foothold in that country.

An ancient Iraqi city that survived the rigors of time was reduced to rubble under the Islamic State. Months before U.S.-backed Iraqi forces advanced, IS destroyed statues, bulldozed palaces that date back 3,000 years, and destroyed most of what remains of one of the tallest buildings left from the 9th century B.C. The damage is so extensive, Iraqi archaeologists don’t know if any of it can be salvaged.