Politics
Saigon Sentinel · Section
Policy reporting — elections, legislation, executive actions, and political analysis with a diaspora-impact lens.
- Politics
TSA mixed messages on PreCheck spark airport chaos amid government shutdown
The Transportation Security Administration confirmed Sunday that its PreCheck program will remain operational, despite an earlier announcement from the Department of Homeland Security that the expedited screening service…
- Politics
Trump administration struggles with plan to boost defense spending by $500 billion
WASHINGTON – Trump administration officials are struggling to allocate a massive $500 billion increase in military spending, a logistical bottleneck that is delaying the White House’s broader federal budget rollout, acco…
- Politics
Appeals court restores ICE authority to use force against Minnesota protesters
MINNESOTA — A federal appeals court on Monday stayed a lower court ruling, lifting restrictions that had barred U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from arresting, detaining, or using pepper spray on pr…
- Politics
Malaysia and Singapore prime ministers pledge to strengthen bilateral ties
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong pledged Friday to strengthen bilateral ties and accelerate cooperation to resolve outstanding issues between th…
- Politics
US economic growth slows sharply, weighed down by government shutdown
WASHINGTON — The U.S. economy grew at a 1.4% annual rate in the fourth quarter, according to Commerce Department data that highlighted the damaging impact of a record-long government shutdown.…
- Politics
Afghan women turn to secret book clubs as a powerful form of resistance
Five young Afghan women have formed a clandestine book club as a silent act of resistance against the Taliban's tightening restrictions on female education and freedom.…
- Politics
California to spend nearly $240 million transforming San Quentin into education center
SAN QUENTIN, Calif. — Governor Gavin Newsom has unveiled a $239 million criminal justice reform project at San Quentin State Prison, signaling a major shift toward rehabilitation for California's oldest correctional faci…
- Politics
Iran pursues nuclear talks while aggressively preparing for war
Iranian leaders are seeking a nuclear agreement with the United States while simultaneously preparing for the possibility of war if negotiations fail, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.…
- Politics
Israel tightens West Bank control, challenging Trump’s stance
WASHINGTON (AP) — Israel has taken aggressive steps in recent days to tighten its control over the occupied West Bank, implementing unilateral policies that analysts describe as a major shift toward annexation.…
- Politics
Bill requiring proof of citizenship to vote clears 50-vote threshold in Senate
WASHINGTON — A Republican-led bill requiring proof of American citizenship for voter registration has secured more than 50 supporters in the Senate, according to a report from NBC News.…
- Politics
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Sentenced to Life for Insurrection Plot
SEOUL, South Korea — A South Korean court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to life in prison with hard labor for leading an insurrection during a failed attempt to impose martial law in December 2024.…
- Politics
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol sentenced to life for insurrection
SEOUL — A South Korean court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to life in prison on Wednesday for his role in a failed martial law declaration last December.…
- Politics
Early voting begins in Texas Senate primary as Stephen Colbert fundraises for Democrat
AUSTIN, Texas – Early voting began this week in the Democratic primary for the Texas U.S. Senate seat, a closely watched race that has recently drawn a surge of national media attention.…
- Politics
Australia refuses to repatriate 34 ISIS-linked women and children from Syria
MELBOURNE, Australia — Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed Tuesday that the Australian government will not repatriate 34 women and children currently held in Syria over their alleged ties to the Islamic State.…
- Politics
Expelled Malaysian opposition leader calls for 'reset' after being ousted from party
KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian opposition leader Hamzah Zainuddin has characterized his recent expulsion from the Bersatu party as a necessary "reset" to "repair and improve" the organization.…
- Politics
U.S. National Debt Hurtles Toward a Dangerous Tipping Point as Alarms Sound
WASHINGTON — The United States is rapidly approaching a "decisive turning point" in its financial history, according to a nonpartisan budget watchdog that warns current federal borrowing levels have become unsustainable.…
- Politics
Trump administration on the brink of major war with Iran, report warns
WASHINGTON – The Trump administration is closer to a major war in the Middle East than most Americans realize, with a potential conflict that could begin soon, according to a report by Axios. A U.S.…
- Politics
Bangladesh names new prime minister to end period of political instability
DHAKA, Bangladesh — Tarique Rahman was sworn in as the new prime minister of Bangladesh, restoring an elected government after 18 months of interim rule following the 2024 ouster of Sheikh Hasina.…
- Politics
Thailand’s People’s Party joins opposition, set to challenge Election Commission
BANGKOK — The leader of Thailand’s People’s Party (PP) said Monday his party does not oppose the Klatham Party joining the political opposition, even as rumors circulate that the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) is pressuring the…
- Politics
Nature journal: Science funding needs reform but is not a waste of money
LONDON – The scientific journal Nature published a commentary on Feb. 17 defending the current system of scientific research funding against a growing tide of criticism.…