News

BRICS adds new members to counter Western dominance

Published

3 years ago

August 25, 2023

The expansion is the first time the group has added to its number in 13 years

The BRICS coalition of emerging economies recently endorsed the inclusion of Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina, and the United Arab Emirates, signalling a stride toward overhauling an antiquated global order.

Marking its first expansion in 13 years, this move also leaves the door open for future additions as numerous other nations express interest in joining the group, aspiring to rebalance the worldwide stage.

The extension bolsters the economic prowess of BRICS, currently encompassing China, the world’s second-largest economy, alongside Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa. This step further magnifies the bloc’s stated ambition to advocate for the Global South.

However, pre-existing tensions may persist between members envisioning the bloc as a counterforce to Western influence—chiefly China, Russia, and now Iran—and those maintaining strong affiliations with the United States and Europe.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, long an advocate of BRICS enlargement, hailed this as a momentous juncture.

“This membership expansion is historic,” he said. “It shows the determination of BRICS countries for unity and cooperation with the broader developing countries.”

With the name originally coined by economist Jim O’Neill of Goldman Sachs in 2001, the bloc evolved from an informal four-nation union in 2009 and later welcomed South Africa in its sole prior expansion.

The six incoming nations are set to formally join the coalition on January 1, 2024, as disclosed by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during a summit held in Johannesburg.

“BRICS has embarked on a new chapter in its effort to build a world that is fair, a world that is just, a world that is also inclusive and prosperous,” Ramaphosa said.

“We have consensus on the first phase of this expansion process and other phases will follow.”

News

Over 330,000 displaced as Middle East tensions escalate

Published

4 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Harvey Vargas

The Middle East is facing a growing humanitarian crisis as renewed conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran sends shockwaves across the region. Families are fleeing cities, villages, and towns, leaving behind homes and livelihoods in search of safety amid rising violence. The UN refugee agency reports that thousands of people are on the move daily, particularly from Tehran and other affected areas in Iran.

In Lebanon, the humanitarian toll is mounting. Over 84,000 people are now sheltering in nearly 400 collective sites, while more than 30,000 have crossed into Syria since the escalation began. Evacuation orders affecting over 50 villages triggered a wave of displacement from southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut’s southern suburbs, adding to tens of thousands still displaced from the 2024 conflict. Many are attempting to flee on foot with few belongings, seeking safety in neighbouring areas.

The situation is raising fears of a wider refugee crisis. European authorities warn that displacement of just 10 percent of Iran’s population could rival the largest refugee flows of recent decades. Turkey has prepared facilities for up to 90,000 potential arrivals, while the UNHCR says it requires $454 million in 2026 to support displaced populations across Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and Central Asia—but has received only 15 percent so far.

News

Trump weighs U.S. role in Iran as Middle East conflict escalates

Trump consults advisers on U.S. strategy post-Iran conflict as regional tensions escalate amid military actions.

Published

1 day ago

March 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump consults advisers on U.S. strategy post-Iran conflict as regional tensions escalate amid military actions.

President Trump is consulting with top advisers on how the U.S. should respond once the conflict in Iran subsides. Decisions on military, diplomatic, and regional strategies are reportedly being finalised amid the ongoing conflict.

Meanwhile, Iran has targeted multiple regional sites while Israel intercepted a jet fighter over Tehran, signalling a dangerously volatile situation. International concern grows as conflicts risk wider escalation.

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News

U.S. submarine sinks Iranian warship near Sri Lanka

U.S. video of Iranian warship sinking escalates tensions, confirms submarine responsible near Sri Lanka, sparks geopolitical concerns.

Published

1 day ago

March 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

U.S. video of Iranian warship sinking escalates tensions, confirms submarine responsible near Sri Lanka, sparks geopolitical concerns.

A dramatic video showing the sinking of an Iranian warship has been released by the United States, escalating tensions in an already volatile region. While the exact date and full details of the footage remain unverified, the images have quickly gone viral across global platforms.

U.S. Department of War Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that a U.S. submarine was responsible for sinking the Iranian vessel off the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The development marks a significant flashpoint in maritime security across the Indo-Pacific.

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister identified the ship as the IRIS Dena, raising fresh geopolitical questions about Tehran’s naval movements and Washington’s strategic response.

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