Author: Rebecca Frank
Rebecca Frank is a veteran journalist and special correspondent for The Islamabad Telegraph, with a career spanning two decades of conflict reporting, political analysis, and exclusive investigations from some of the world’s most volatile regions.
Pentagon Strategic Pivot: Elbridge Colby urges focus on China over Ukraine or Iran. Taiwan as Flashpoint: U.S. may be preparing for potential conflict in the Indo-Pacific. Allies Uneasy: Japan, Australia concerned about reduced U.S. support and pressure to rearm. Republican Split: Internal GOP debate deepens over global commitments vs. prioritization. WASHINGTON, D.C. — A classified memo from Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon’s top policy official, has ignited a fierce strategic debate in Washington—and sent shockwaves across allied capitals in Europe and Asia—by urging a wholesale shift in U.S. military focus away from Ukraine and the Middle East, toward what he calls…
Washington and Moscow are working to finalize a Trump-Putin meeting that could shape the future of the Ukraine war. Diplomats say a breakthrough on Ukraine is possible during the high-stakes Trump-Putin meeting later this year. Sources confirm that the anticipated Trump-Putin meeting could reset global security and bring new hope for peace. KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Senior officials in Washington and Moscow are quietly working behind the scenes to arrange what could become the most consequential summit of 2025: a face-to-face Trump-Putin meeting that, sources say, may decide the future trajectory of the Ukraine war. Multiple diplomatic and intelligence sources…
Trump Tariffs on Brazil mark the beginning of a dangerous new trade war with geopolitical undertones. The decision to impose Trump Tariffs on Brazil is widely seen as retaliation for Brazil’s deepening ties with BRICS and China. Brazil vows to hit back after Trump Tariffs on Brazil, signaling worsening U.S.-Brazil relations. Critics say Trump Tariffs on Brazil risk isolating the U.S. and accelerating global de-dollarization. In a move that stunned global markets, former President Donald Trump announced sweeping 50 percent tariffs on all Brazilian imports, igniting what insiders are calling the first major U.S.-Brazil trade war in decades. While Trump…
President Trump’s decision to resume weapons supply to Ukraine marks a significant shift in U.S. policy after months of suspended aid. The renewed weapons supply to Ukraine includes critical air defense systems, potentially altering battlefield dynamics. Kyiv welcomes the decision, emphasizing that the weapons supply to Ukraine is crucial for defending against intensified Russian attacks. The future of the conflict may hinge on how sustained and robust the weapons supply to Ukraine remains in the coming months. WASHINGTON— In a decisive shift that could alter the trajectory of the ongoing war in Ukraine, President Donald Trump announced on Monday that…
Intercepted communications reveal Iran’s top officials downplaying the damage from Iran nuclear strikes. Trump administration insists Iran nuclear strikes dealt a severe blow to Tehran’s capabilities, but experts disagree. Intelligence sources suggest Iran nuclear strikes may have set back Iran’s program by months, not years. Regional tensions rise as Iran nuclear strikes spark fears of further escalation or nuclear acceleration. In the smoldering aftermath of the United States’ audacious Iran nuclear strikes, a complex and dangerous new phase in the decades-long confrontation between Washington and Tehran is quietly taking shape. Iranian officials, while visibly angered and vowing strategic revenge, have…
Elon Musk America Party vows to represent the “80% in the middle” disillusioned by traditional politics. Wealth and tech vision fuel Elon Musk America Party’s challenge to the U.S. two-party system. Key names and political allies signal early support for Elon Musk America Party ahead of 2026 midterms. Institutional roadblocks and ballot hurdles test the resilience of Elon Musk America Party. In a move that could reshape the contours of American politics, Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and one of its most polarizing figures, announced on Saturday the launch of his own political party: the America Party. Promising to…
Hamas has accepted a U.S.-backed 60-day cease-fire framework, marking a major step toward ending nearly two years of war in Gaza. Formal cease-fire announcement expected today, with Israel and Hamas agreeing to halt all hostilities immediately. Negotiations to follow in Cairo, with Egypt and Qatar as observers, aiming for a permanent resolution. Trump to announce the deal, positioning himself again as a key peacemaker in the Middle East. Washington, D.C. — July 5, 2025 Hamas has agreed to a U.S.-backed proposal for a new cease-fire in Gaza, according to senior sources in Washington involved in the negotiations. A formal announcement…
99% of U.S. fireworks come from China, making the industry extremely vulnerable to Trump’s steep tariffs. Tariffs of up to 145% initially caused chaos; a temporary drop to 30% hasn’t eased long-term fears. Small businesses and towns are cancelling or downsizing displays, unable to absorb skyrocketing costs. No viable alternative supply chains exist, with attempts to shift to Brazil or Cambodia failing due to safety and capacity issues. As Americans gather to watch fireworks burst across the sky this July 4, few realize that the dazzling displays are on the brink of disappearing — casualties of a trade war that’s…
Trump set to announce new tariffs, ranging from 10% to 70%, starting Friday. Countries with large trade deficits, like China and Mexico, will face steep tariffs. Nations like Britain and Japan may secure exemptions or reduced tariff rates. The global trade map will shift, with regional alliances gaining prominence. As the clock ticks down to President Trump’s formal tariff announcement today, the global economy braces for what could be the most sweeping reshaping of international trade relations since the 1930s. After a three-month delay in implementation, Trump is poised to deliver a wave of tariffs with rates ranging from 10%…
Iran’s nuclear program delayed by 1–2 years following joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Fordo and Natanz. Disagreement among intelligence agencies on long-term damage fuels uncertainty about Iran’s nuclear timeline. Iran suspends cooperation with IAEA, shutting out international inspectors and escalating diplomatic tensions. U.S. signals shift to diplomacy, but regional instability and potential proxy retaliation loom large. In a bold and unprecedented military operation last month, American and Israeli forces executed coordinated airstrikes that struck deep into Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. According to the Pentagon’s chief spokesman, Sean Parnell, the campaign has set back Iran’s nuclear ambitions by “one to two years.” But…
