Politics
Saigon Sentinel · Section
Policy reporting — elections, legislation, executive actions, and political analysis with a diaspora-impact lens.
- Politics
Thai voters head to polls to decide nation’s political and constitutional future
BANGKOK — Millions of Thais headed to the polls Sunday in a pivotal general election expected to reshape the nation’s political landscape for years to come.…
- Politics
Thailand at a crossroads: Structural reform or short-term populist policies
Thailand holds a critical election this weekend, offering voters a choice between a pro-reform party and two political blocs committed to populist economic policies.…
- Politics
Democrats split over 'Abolish ICE' slogan ahead of elections
WASHINGTON — A growing rift within the Democratic Party over the "Abolish ICE" movement is intensifying as candidates grapple with the future of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.…
- Politics
Waitangi Day: Māori pivot to community building as New Zealand protests subside
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Waitangi Day celebrations took on a noticeably subdued tone this year, as sparse attendance at political events marked a sharp shift from the mass protests that defined recent commemorations.…
- Politics
Trump sparks backlash for sharing AI video mocking the Obamas as apes
Donald Trump shared a racist, AI-generated video on his Truth Social account late Thursday that depicts former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes.…
- Politics
US and Taiwan test new attack drones to counter China
TAIPEI – U.S. defense contractor Kratos Defense and the Taiwanese military have successfully tested a new jet-powered attack drone, a move intended to rapidly expand the island’s ability to deploy large numbers of low-co…
- Politics
Trump Administration Taps Palantir AI to Scrutinize Federal Diversity and Gender Programs
WASHINGTON – The Department of Health and Human Services has deployed artificial intelligence software from Palantir to screen grant applications and job postings for compliance with President Donald Trump’s executive or…
- Politics
Coupang data breach escalates into trade dispute between US and South Korea
SEOUL, South Korea — U.S.-listed e-commerce giant Coupang confirmed a new data breach affecting 165,000 users, an incident a South Korean official says has strained the country’s alliance with the United States.…
- Politics
Supreme Court clears California's new voting maps as partisan gerrymandering battle continues
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for California to use its new congressional redistricting map in this year’s midterm elections, a move expected to bolster Democrats in the fight for control of the Hou…
- Politics
Thailand’s Pheu Thai party accuses rivals over audio clips claimed to be AI
BANGKOK – Thailand’s Pheu Thai party has filed a formal complaint with the Election Commission following the release of a controversial audio recording allegedly involving a rival politician.…
- Politics
Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing forms 'super agency' to consolidate power ahead of presidency
Myanmar’s military junta has announced the creation of a new governing body called the Federal Advisory Council to oversee both the armed forces and the civilian government.…
- Politics
U.S. government unveils ‘Trump Account’ to give $1,000 to every newborn
WASHINGTON – The federal government will launch a new savings program this summer known as “Trump Accounts,” providing a $1,000 initial deposit to eligible children born over a four-year period.…
- Politics
South Korea’s ruling party demands probe into posts linking Lee Jae-myung to Epstein
South Korea’s ruling Democratic Party called for a comprehensive investigation Monday into online posts alleging a connection between President Lee Jae Myung and the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.…
- Politics
China arrests investigative journalist after reports critical of government officials
CHENGDU, China — Police in Sichuan province have detained a veteran investigative journalist and his assistant after he published a report criticizing local officials, raising fresh concerns over the abuse of government …
- Politics
Australian coal lobby spent nearly $4 million on political campaigns, records reveal
CANBERRA — A political advocacy group that targeted Labor, Green, and independent candidates during Australia’s recent federal election was almost entirely bankrolled by a coal industry lobby, according to new financial …
- Politics
US-Russia nuclear treaty expires, sparking fears of a renewed global arms race
A landmark nuclear arms control treaty between the United States and Russia is set to expire this week, sparking fears of a renewed global arms race for the first time since the Cold War.…
- Politics
Former Bangladesh prime minister plans return from exile in India
KOLKATA, India — Politicians from Bangladesh’s Awami League are planning a return to the political stage from exile in India, even as their party remains barred from upcoming elections.…
- Politics
Trump Administration Drops $200 Million Demand Against Harvard University
The Trump administration has abandoned a demand that Harvard University pay the federal government $200 million, reversing a key position in long-running negotiations with the school.…
- Politics
U.S. government set to reopen but larger budget battle looms
A three-day partial U.S. government shutdown, largely seen as unproductive, is expected to end this afternoon, setting the stage for another politically charged budget showdown in Congress next week.…
- Politics
Thailand’s People’s Party leads polls but faces fresh risk of being blocked again
BANGKOK – Thailand’s most popular political faction, the People’s Party, holds a commanding lead in polls ahead of this weekend’s election, even as skepticism remains over whether the group will be permitted to take powe…