Tensions in the Red Sea have flared up once again as the United States launched a massive wave of airstrikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels over the weekend. These strikes were in direct response to continued attacks by the Houthis on military and commercial vessels passing through one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. The conflict, which has been simmering for months, has now escalated dramatically, with both sides showing no signs of backing down. The Houthis, a Zaydi Shi’ite rebel group from northern Yemen, were originally founded in the late 1990s with the goal of reviving their sect’s traditions. Over time, their struggle evolved into an armed rebellion against the Yemeni government and Saudi Arabia, leading to their eventual control over large portions of Yemen. In recent months, they have repeatedly targeted international ships in the Red Sea, claiming that their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The brief pause in attacks in January, following a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, ended abruptly last week when the Houthis announced that they would resume their strikes, citing Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza as justification. Saturday’s US airstrikes targeted several key locations, including the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, and the Saada province, a stronghold of the Iran-backed group near the Saudi border. According to the Houthi-controlled Health Ministry, at least 53 people lost their lives, including five women and two children, while nearly 100 others were injured. This marks the first time the US has directly engaged the Houthis since Donald Trump began his second term in January. Unlike previous military operations carried out in coordination with Israel and the United Kingdom, these latest strikes were conducted solely by US forces. Following the strikes, President Trump vowed that the US would continue to use overwhelming force until the Houthis stopped their attacks on shipping. He also warned Iran—long suspected of supplying the Houthis with weapons and intelligence—that it would be held accountable for their actions. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio made it clear that these military operations would persist until the Houthis were no longer able to threaten international trade routes. He described the strikes as being far more aggressive than those conducted under the previous Biden administration. In response, Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi delivered a defiant televised address, vowing to retaliate against the US with further escalation. He specifically threatened to launch missile and drone attacks on US warships operating in the region. True to their word, the Houthis claimed on Sunday that they had targeted the USS Harry S Truman aircraft carrier strike group in the Red Sea. However, a US defense official later reported that over a 12-hour period, the Houthis had launched 11 drones and at least one missile, all of which were intercepted before causing any damage. Ten drones were shot down by US Air Force fighter jets, while a US Navy F/A-18 jet neutralized the last one. The missile, meanwhile, landed harmlessly in the sea, failing to hit any US vessel. As the situation deteriorates, the United Nations has issued an urgent call for restraint, warning of the severe humanitarian consequences of continued fighting. Yemen, already one of the poorest nations in the Arab world, has been devastated by years of war, and further escalation could push the country deeper into crisis. In a statement, the UN stressed that prolonged conflict could destabilize the entire region, fueling cycles of violence and worsening conditions for millions of civilians caught in the crossfire. Amidst this growing conflict, Iran has once again denied any direct involvement in Houthi military operations, despite ongoing accusations from the US and its allies. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the US strikes, urging Washington to halt its military actions in both Gaza and Yemen. In a post on social media, he lashed out at the US, stating that it had no right to dictate Iran’s foreign policy. He also blamed the US for supporting what he described as “genocide and terrorism,” calling for an end to attacks on Yemeni civilians. The escalation in the Red Sea is already having economic repercussions, with crude oil prices rising in response to fears of potential disruptions to global shipping. On Monday, Brent crude prices climbed by 72 cents, reaching $71.30 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also saw an increase, reaching $67.90 per barrel. The uncertainty surrounding the conflict has left traders wary of prolonged instability in one of the world’s most crucial maritime trade routes. With both the US and the Houthis standing firm in their positions, there appears to be no immediate path to de-escalation. The situation remains dangerously volatile, with the potential for further escalation in the days ahead. Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard.

Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te has called for stricter measures to counter China's increasing infiltration, espionage, and psychological warfare aimed at weakening Taiwan's defenses. Speaking at a news conference on Thursday, Lai highlighted recent incidents where Beijing allegedly tried to sway public opinion, obtain classified information, and lure military personnel into working for them. He emphasized the need for stronger legal safeguards to detect and prevent such activities, warning that China’s tactics go beyond traditional warfare, targeting Taiwan’s national security and morale. The Chinese government has largely ignored official contact with Lai’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) since his predecessor, Tsai Ing-wen, was elected, as the DPP supports Taiwan’s de facto independence. China regularly sends military ships and aircraft near Taiwan to intimidate its 23 million citizens and exhaust its defense forces. In a recent case, Taiwan expelled the Chinese wife of a Taiwanese citizen after she repeatedly shared videos on Chinese social media claiming China could take over Taiwan in just 30 minutes. Her actions, deemed a violation of Taiwan’s national security laws, led to her deportation, though she can reapply for residency in five years. Other incidents include Taiwanese artists and influencers in China echoing Chinese state media’s stance that Taiwan belongs to China. Additionally, retired Taiwanese military personnel have been caught leaking information about Taiwan’s weapons systems to Chinese agents and even trying to recruit active military members for espionage. The growing number of such incidents has raised concerns in Taiwan about the need for stronger defenses against Beijing’s covert operations. Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Elon Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is once again throwing his support behind former President Donald Trump. Reports suggest that Musk plans to donate $100 million to organizations aligned with Trump’s political agenda. According to The New York Times, this level of political contribution from a White House staff member— even in a part-time capacity—is unprecedented. Musk’s decision to back Trump comes as Tesla faces declining sales, and Trump has recently shifted his stance on electric vehicles. In a show of support, Trump even purchased a Tesla alongside Musk, acknowledging both the company’s significance and what he believes to be unfair treatment of Musk. “Number one, it’s a great product, as good as it gets. And number two, because this man [Musk] has devoted his energy and his life to doing this, and I think he has been treated very unfairly,” Trump stated. Musk’s Donation Plans: Discussions are reportedly underway between Trump’s team and Musk’s executives regarding where the donations will go. While Musk has contributed heavily to America PAC in the past—his own super PAC that has supported Trump—this time, he intends to direct his funds toward an external organization directly connected to Trump. A Washington Post report indicates that Musk was the largest political donor in the 2024 elections, spending around $288 million to support Trump and other Republican candidates. Currently, groups such as Make America Great Again (MAGA) and Securing American Greatness are leading Trump’s external political efforts. However, it remains uncertain whether Musk’s donation will go to one of these organizations or if Trump will establish a new one. Despite his significant contributions to Trump-aligned groups, Musk is also continuing to fund political initiatives of his own. His organization recently spent $6 million in support of a candidate for Wisconsin’s Supreme Court election, scheduled for next month. Disclaimer: This image is taken from Bloomberg.

A federal judge in Washington has ordered the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to release records related to its operations, which have reportedly been conducted under "unusual secrecy." According to a Reuters report, DOGE—created by former President Donald Trump and led by billionaire Elon Musk—has faced criticism for its lack of transparency. The ruling was in favor of the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), a watchdog group that challenged the secrecy surrounding DOGE. The judge noted that DOGE likely qualifies as an agency subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which mandates public access to federal records. The Trump administration argued that DOGE was exempt from FOIA due to its connection with the Executive Office of the President. However, CREW contended that Congress and the public needed access to these records, especially as lawmakers worked on funding legislation to prevent a government shutdown. District Judge Christopher Cooper emphasized that DOGE exercises "substantial independent authority," surpassing the typical limits of other Executive Office components often exempt from FOIA requirements. This decision marks a significant victory for transparency advocates, who have pushed for accountability from DOGE since Trump took office. Concerns over DOGE's secrecy have grown, particularly regarding its role in mass federal workforce firings. Reports suggest the agency has operated behind closed doors, using encrypted communication apps and external servers while keeping employees' identities hidden from career officials. The lawsuit, filed by CREW on February 20, sought the release of DOGE’s internal communications and memos. While the judge did not set a specific deadline for releasing the records, he urged DOGE to act on an expedited basis due to the urgency of ongoing government funding debates. He stressed the importance of transparency, stating, “Congress and voters deserve timely information about this agency, especially given its unprecedented authority to reshape government programs.” The ruling comes as another blow to DOGE, which has faced criticism for its handling of federal layoffs. On March 7, Trump reportedly told his cabinet that Musk does not have authority over their departments, effectively limiting his role in firing federal employees. Musk has since admitted that the department may have "made some missteps." Disclaimer: This image is taken from Bloomberg.

Teresa Tang discusses the unprecedented political crisis surrounding impeached South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol, including his declaration of martial law and ongoing trials for both impeachment and insurrection. In an interview with CNA's Lim Yun Suk, Tang highlights the logistical and emotional difficulties of covering this complex situation. Disclaimer: This Prodcast is taken from CNA.

Despite decades of progress, polio remains a threat in some parts of the world. This episode explores the challenges to eradication and what’s being done to end the disease for good. Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

All around the world, huge areas of land are being abandoned and slowly taken over by nature. If you want a glimpse of what the future might hold, just take a look at Bulgaria. Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

As Donald Trump prepares to return to the Oval Office, he faces a lengthy list of issues to address, including tariffs, immigration, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The former president's priorities for his second term are expected to focus on these key areas, but it remains to be seen how he will navigate them. In a preview of his upcoming presidential inauguration, Teresa Tang discusses with Washington Correspondent Nick Harper what to expect from Trump's second term in office and which issues he is likely to prioritize.