Fortidens reisende slet med å finne de riktige ordene når de skulle beskrive den iranske byen Esfahan. Men en av dem, franskmannen Jean Chardin, skrev på 1600-tallet: «Byen skinte som en perle i ørkenen og blendet oss helt med sin prakt». En annen, Pietro della Valle, tilføyde: «Byens skjønnhet overgår alt jeg har sett i Østen.»
Men denne våren trues den av lemlestelse og død. De siste ukene har innbyggerne levd i konstant frykt for larmen på himmelen.
«Byen vår er som et museum uten tak. Spar oss!» trygler byens borgermester.
Esfahan er ikke bare en historisk perle, men også et industrielt og teknologisk knutepunkt i Iran. I og rundt byen finnes flereanlegg knyttet til Irans atomprogram, militær industri, flybaser og logistikk. Det gjør den til et potensielt mål for luftangrep,noe som øker risikoen for skade også på sivile og historiske områder.
søndag 22. mars 2026
China weathering Iran war with minimal damage
Various observers are emphasizing that the US-Israeli war against Iran is either hurting or helping China.
Some argue that “China has a lot to lose,” that the war is “unsettling China and its ambitions,” or that “Xi Jinping’s geopolitical chessboard is starting to collapse.” Others contend that the war “could help China,” that “China gains [an] edge from Trump’s war,” or that “Beijing may emerge as the quiet winner.”This is a complicated question involving several factors, some favorable to China’s global agenda and some unfavorable. A proper assessment finds that the war is a net negative for China, but not by much.
For China, Iran was a useful but never a vital economic partner. In 2021, China signed a deal to eventually invest US$400 billion in Iran in exchange for a steady flow of oil. China’s investment up to the start of the war was only a small fraction of that figure. As University of Pennsylvania analyst Aaron Glasserman summarizes, “Iran needs China, but China does not need Iran.”
Some argue that “China has a lot to lose,” that the war is “unsettling China and its ambitions,” or that “Xi Jinping’s geopolitical chessboard is starting to collapse.” Others contend that the war “could help China,” that “China gains [an] edge from Trump’s war,” or that “Beijing may emerge as the quiet winner.”This is a complicated question involving several factors, some favorable to China’s global agenda and some unfavorable. A proper assessment finds that the war is a net negative for China, but not by much.
For China, Iran was a useful but never a vital economic partner. In 2021, China signed a deal to eventually invest US$400 billion in Iran in exchange for a steady flow of oil. China’s investment up to the start of the war was only a small fraction of that figure. As University of Pennsylvania analyst Aaron Glasserman summarizes, “Iran needs China, but China does not need Iran.”
Japan's prime minister emerges buoyed from Trump summit
The delicate summit between US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichiwent off largely smoothly on Thursday. Takaichi arrived in Washington bearing trade and energy deals, and Trump reciprocated by reiterating the importance of the relationship while refraining from asking Tokyo to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz to support the US-Israel war with Iran.
The meeting was arranged long before the US and Israel launched their attacks on Iran late last month, with Trump last week calling on US allies, specifically naming Japan, to commit military forces to the region.
Japan would be unable to make any such commitment under the terms of its strict pacifist constitution. The Iran war in general is deeply unpopular with the Japanese people, analysts point out, effectively making it impossible for Takaichi to accede to any such request.
The meeting was arranged long before the US and Israel launched their attacks on Iran late last month, with Trump last week calling on US allies, specifically naming Japan, to commit military forces to the region.
Japan would be unable to make any such commitment under the terms of its strict pacifist constitution. The Iran war in general is deeply unpopular with the Japanese people, analysts point out, effectively making it impossible for Takaichi to accede to any such request.
Europe and Japan Ready to Join Efforts to Secure Strait of Hormuz as Energy Prices Surge Amid Iran War
Leaders from Europe and Japan joined forces Thursday in an effort to secure the Strait of Hormuz so that global trade can once more journey through the vital passage. The announcement came amid rising concerns over the turbulent market, with European natural gas prices having jumped by 60% since the start of the Iran war.
In a joint statement, leaders from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan expressed a "readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait" and welcomed "the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning."
The leaders condemned “in the strongest terms” the attacks Iran has made on commercial vessels alongside oil and gas facilities and emphasized that “maritime security and freedom of navigation” benefits all countries. Citing the U.N. Security Council Resolution 2817, they called for Iran to immediately cease its ongoing threats to global trade and put forth their intention to intervene.
In a joint statement, leaders from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan expressed a "readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait" and welcomed "the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning."
The leaders condemned “in the strongest terms” the attacks Iran has made on commercial vessels alongside oil and gas facilities and emphasized that “maritime security and freedom of navigation” benefits all countries. Citing the U.N. Security Council Resolution 2817, they called for Iran to immediately cease its ongoing threats to global trade and put forth their intention to intervene.
Trump invokes Pearl Harbor in front of Japanese prime minister to defend Iran attack secrecy
In an apparent awkward moment at the Oval Office on Thursday stateside, U.S. President Donald Trump referenced Pearl Harbor in his first meeting with Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi after her landslide electoral victory. When asked by a Japanese reporter on why the U.S. did not inform allies such as Japan before carrying out the attacks against Iran on Feb. 28, the U.S. president said it was to maintain the element of surprise.
“Who knows better about surprise than Japan ... Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbor?”
Trump was referencing the surprise Japanese attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet in 1941, which saw the deaths of over 2,400 personnel and drew the U.S. into World War II. Takaichi appeared to draw a deep breath and lean back in her seat with an uneasy expression.
“Who knows better about surprise than Japan ... Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbor?”
Trump was referencing the surprise Japanese attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet in 1941, which saw the deaths of over 2,400 personnel and drew the U.S. into World War II. Takaichi appeared to draw a deep breath and lean back in her seat with an uneasy expression.
The US is re-evaluating the threat of Chinese military action in Taiwan
Recent years have brought heightened concern in Western intelligence circles that China could invade the self-governing island of Taiwan as early as next year. But the United States now says an imminent attack is unlikely.
An annual threat assessment by the US intelligence community said Beijing prefers to achieve so-called unification without the use of force, and recognizes that an amphibious assault would be extremely difficult and carry a high risk of failure, especially if the US intervenes.
“Beijing almost certainly will consider a variety of factors in deciding whether and how to pursue military approaches to unification, including PLA readiness, the actions and politics of Taiwan, and whether or not the US will militarily intervene on Taiwan’s behalf,” the report said, referring to China’s People’s Liberation Army.
An annual threat assessment by the US intelligence community said Beijing prefers to achieve so-called unification without the use of force, and recognizes that an amphibious assault would be extremely difficult and carry a high risk of failure, especially if the US intervenes.
“Beijing almost certainly will consider a variety of factors in deciding whether and how to pursue military approaches to unification, including PLA readiness, the actions and politics of Taiwan, and whether or not the US will militarily intervene on Taiwan’s behalf,” the report said, referring to China’s People’s Liberation Army.
Japan’s people are aging as its snow worsens. That’s a lethal combination
For Yoko Toshima, winter hits harder these days. “Perhaps it is because I am getting older, but the way the snow falls seems more extreme than before,” she said.
During the warmer months, the 76-year-old’s small hometown in northern Japan seems an ideal place to live, offering lush parks and historical shrines. Daisen’s renowned summertime fireworks displays draw hundreds of thousands of visitors.
But when winter blows in, all that shifts. “Living alone is fine during the summer, but winter is very challenging because of the snow,” Toshima said. There were times these past few months, under freezing temperatures, when snow piled up “like a mountain” at Toshima’s doorstep, she said. No matter how hard she tried to clear it, it kept coming back.
During the warmer months, the 76-year-old’s small hometown in northern Japan seems an ideal place to live, offering lush parks and historical shrines. Daisen’s renowned summertime fireworks displays draw hundreds of thousands of visitors.
But when winter blows in, all that shifts. “Living alone is fine during the summer, but winter is very challenging because of the snow,” Toshima said. There were times these past few months, under freezing temperatures, when snow piled up “like a mountain” at Toshima’s doorstep, she said. No matter how hard she tried to clear it, it kept coming back.
Why a delayed Xi-Trump summit could give China a stronger hand
US President Donald Trump’s request to delay a high-stakes summit with China’s leader Xi Jinping could work in Beijing’s favor, according to several Chinese sources familiar with the matter, potentially allowing both parties to sidestep complications related to the US’ war with Iran – China’s most important strategic partner in the Middle East.
And if Trump loses his grip on the conflict that’s already threatening oil supplies and global economic growth, it could strengthen China’s hand in talks – if they go ahead at all –– according to experts.
Beijing never formally confirmed the highly anticipated visit, and has yet to provide an official response to the proposed “5-to-6 week” delay. Trump said this week that “China is fine with” delaying the meeting that, according to the White House, had previously been scheduled for March 31 to April 2.
And if Trump loses his grip on the conflict that’s already threatening oil supplies and global economic growth, it could strengthen China’s hand in talks – if they go ahead at all –– according to experts.
Beijing never formally confirmed the highly anticipated visit, and has yet to provide an official response to the proposed “5-to-6 week” delay. Trump said this week that “China is fine with” delaying the meeting that, according to the White House, had previously been scheduled for March 31 to April 2.
Pakistan and Afghanistan Announce Pause in Fighting Over Eid
Pakistan and Afghanistan have declared a temporary pause in fighting over the coming Eid al-Fitr holiday, which marks the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
The suspension, which was mediated by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar, will begin at midnight on Wednesday and is set to last until midnight on Monday local time, according to Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. It is the first cessation of hostilities between the two countries since Pakistan declared “open war” with Afghanistan amid renewed clashes in February.“Pakistan offers this gesture in good faith and in keeping with the Islamic norms,” Tarar said in a statement on social media.
It does not yet appear likely that the temporary pause will lead to a more lasting cease-fire. Tarar cautioned that “in case of any cross-border attack, drone attack or any terrorist incident inside Pakistan,” Pakistan’s operations “shall immediately resume with renewed intensity.”
The suspension, which was mediated by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar, will begin at midnight on Wednesday and is set to last until midnight on Monday local time, according to Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. It is the first cessation of hostilities between the two countries since Pakistan declared “open war” with Afghanistan amid renewed clashes in February.“Pakistan offers this gesture in good faith and in keeping with the Islamic norms,” Tarar said in a statement on social media.
It does not yet appear likely that the temporary pause will lead to a more lasting cease-fire. Tarar cautioned that “in case of any cross-border attack, drone attack or any terrorist incident inside Pakistan,” Pakistan’s operations “shall immediately resume with renewed intensity.”
fredag 20. mars 2026
China won't help the United States reopen the Straits of Hormuz
China won’t help the United States reopen the Strait of Hormuz as requested by President Donald Trump, but it is probably welcoming the delay in Trump’s highly anticipated trip to Beijing as the U.S. risks getting bogged down in the Middle East, analysts say.
The latest developments are unfolding as Trump’s Iran war, in its third week, is faced with mounting pressure as oil has stopped moving through the strait and U.S. allies have refused to step up to secure the strait. That has produced concerns that China, the United States’ biggest geopolitical rival, could stand to benefit from a war that some say was ill-considered.
“President Trump’s request to delay his long-awaited summit with President Xi Jinping underscores how significantly he underestimated the fallout from Operation Epic Fury,” said Ali Wyne, senior research and advocacy adviser for U.S.-China relations at the International Crisis Group. “A show of U.S. force that was meant to intimidate Beijing has instead served to puncture the illusion of U.S. omnipotence: Unable to reopen the Strait of Hormuz alone, Washington now needs its principal strategic competitor to help it manage a crisis of its own making.”
The latest developments are unfolding as Trump’s Iran war, in its third week, is faced with mounting pressure as oil has stopped moving through the strait and U.S. allies have refused to step up to secure the strait. That has produced concerns that China, the United States’ biggest geopolitical rival, could stand to benefit from a war that some say was ill-considered.
“President Trump’s request to delay his long-awaited summit with President Xi Jinping underscores how significantly he underestimated the fallout from Operation Epic Fury,” said Ali Wyne, senior research and advocacy adviser for U.S.-China relations at the International Crisis Group. “A show of U.S. force that was meant to intimidate Beijing has instead served to puncture the illusion of U.S. omnipotence: Unable to reopen the Strait of Hormuz alone, Washington now needs its principal strategic competitor to help it manage a crisis of its own making.”
China’s Hubei province arrests 7, shuts websites in fentanyl crackdown
A Chinese province has launched a crackdown on the fentanyl trade — a contentious issue in U.S.-China relations — arresting seven people and shutting down more than 200 websites in recent months, state media reported Thursday.
The announcement came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump said he would postpone a highly anticipated trip to China because of the Iran War. Trump has used tariffs to try to pressure China to do more to stem the export of fentanyl precursors — the chemical ingredients that go into the synthetic opioid blamed for tens of thousands of overdose deaths annually in the U.S.
The Hubei Daily News said in an online report that a fentanyl precursor task force established in December had investigated 22 cases in Hubei province through February.
The announcement came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump said he would postpone a highly anticipated trip to China because of the Iran War. Trump has used tariffs to try to pressure China to do more to stem the export of fentanyl precursors — the chemical ingredients that go into the synthetic opioid blamed for tens of thousands of overdose deaths annually in the U.S.
The Hubei Daily News said in an online report that a fentanyl precursor task force established in December had investigated 22 cases in Hubei province through February.
More families in Southeast Asia sinking into debt
From Phnom Penh to Bangkok, a growing share of mainland Southeast Asia's economic story is no longer about exports, investment or factory growth, but about households borrowing simply to get by. What was once sold as financial inclusion is curdling into financial stress, analysts say, as years of easy credit, weak wage growth, and inadequate public services have left millions of households dangerously exposed. There are fears a household debt problem could become a broader financial one.
Cambodia is at the center of the crisis. The country's credit boom lifted the private debt-to-GDP ratio from 24.2% in 2010 to 134.5% in 2023, one of the region's sharpest expansions. That boom is now colliding with a softer property sector, border disruptions with Thailand, and new US trade restrictions.
According to Cambodia's Credit Bureau, as of December 2025, the average outstanding personal loan per borrower was around $6,500 (€5,665). The garment-sector minimum wage is $208 per month.
Cambodia is at the center of the crisis. The country's credit boom lifted the private debt-to-GDP ratio from 24.2% in 2010 to 134.5% in 2023, one of the region's sharpest expansions. That boom is now colliding with a softer property sector, border disruptions with Thailand, and new US trade restrictions.
According to Cambodia's Credit Bureau, as of December 2025, the average outstanding personal loan per borrower was around $6,500 (€5,665). The garment-sector minimum wage is $208 per month.
The US is re-evaluating the threat of Chinese military action in Taiwan
Recent years have brought heightened concern in Western intelligence circles that China could invade the self-governing island of Taiwan as early as next year. But the United States now says an imminent attack is unlikely.
An annual threat assessment by the US intelligence community said Beijing prefers to achieve so-called unification without the use of force, and recognizes that an amphibious assault would be extremely difficult and carry a high risk of failure, especially if the US intervenes.
“Beijing almost certainly will consider a variety of factors in deciding whether and how to pursue military approaches to unification, including PLA readiness, the actions and politics of Taiwan, and whether or not the US will militarily intervene on Taiwan’s behalf,” the report said, referring to China’s People’s Liberation Army.
An annual threat assessment by the US intelligence community said Beijing prefers to achieve so-called unification without the use of force, and recognizes that an amphibious assault would be extremely difficult and carry a high risk of failure, especially if the US intervenes.
“Beijing almost certainly will consider a variety of factors in deciding whether and how to pursue military approaches to unification, including PLA readiness, the actions and politics of Taiwan, and whether or not the US will militarily intervene on Taiwan’s behalf,” the report said, referring to China’s People’s Liberation Army.
Trump and Takaichi are close. Iran puts their relationship to the test
A White House meeting between Japan’s Prime Minster Sanae Takaichi and US President Donald Trump was meant to be a routine show of unity – not a stress test, as it’s now become. The two leaders were hoping to build on momentum from Trump’s recent visit to Tokyo that framed the US–Japan alliance as entering a “golden era.”
For Takaichi, it was also a chance to demonstrate credibility on defense and security. Trump leaned into the symbolism, praising Takaichi as Japan’s first female prime minister and striking a familiar tone of personal diplomacy, telling her to “just call” if she needed anything.
But in recent days, the tone of this upcoming meeting has shifted dramatically.
For Takaichi, it was also a chance to demonstrate credibility on defense and security. Trump leaned into the symbolism, praising Takaichi as Japan’s first female prime minister and striking a familiar tone of personal diplomacy, telling her to “just call” if she needed anything.
But in recent days, the tone of this upcoming meeting has shifted dramatically.
Japan’s leader heads to Washington for a visit complicated by the Iran war fallout
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi headed to the United States on Wednesday for what she expects to be a “very difficult” meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump after he called on Japan and other allies to send warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
The three-day visit to Washington was originally expected to focus on trade and strengthening the U.S.-Japanese alliance as China’s influence grows in Asia. It is now expected to be overshadowed by the war that the United States and Israel launched against Iran on Feb. 28.
”I think the U.S. visit will be a very difficult one, but I will do everything to maximize our national interest and to protect the daily lives of the people when the situation changes daily,” Takaichi told parliament on Wednesday, hours before her departure.
The three-day visit to Washington was originally expected to focus on trade and strengthening the U.S.-Japanese alliance as China’s influence grows in Asia. It is now expected to be overshadowed by the war that the United States and Israel launched against Iran on Feb. 28.
”I think the U.S. visit will be a very difficult one, but I will do everything to maximize our national interest and to protect the daily lives of the people when the situation changes daily,” Takaichi told parliament on Wednesday, hours before her departure.
3 men are charged with conspiring to smuggle US artificial intelligence to China
A senior vice president of Super Micro Computer Inc. and two others affiliated with the company were charged Thursday with conspiring to smuggle billions of dollars of computer servers containing advanced Nvidia chips to China.
The men violated U.S. export controls laws by scheming to divert massive quantities of the high-performance servers assembled in the United States to China between 2024 and 2025, according to the indictment in Manhattan federal court.
In a release, FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. said the defendants used fabricated documents, staged bogus equipment to pass audit inventories and utilized a pass-through company to conceal their misconduct and true clientele list.
The men violated U.S. export controls laws by scheming to divert massive quantities of the high-performance servers assembled in the United States to China between 2024 and 2025, according to the indictment in Manhattan federal court.
In a release, FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. said the defendants used fabricated documents, staged bogus equipment to pass audit inventories and utilized a pass-through company to conceal their misconduct and true clientele list.
onsdag 18. mars 2026
Torbjørn Færøvik: Donald Trump - Warrior Without Friends
He loves to show off his muscles and loudly proclaims himself the strongest man in the world. No one can defeat him—he stands in a league of his own.
Then he steps into the ring and promises the audience a quick technical knockout. But the days pass, and nothing happens. The bout has now dragged on for nearly three weeks, and the muscleman is crying out for help.
Donald Trump’s plea over the weekend spread across the world at lightning speed, but no helping hands came back. Britain’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, says the UK does not wish to be drawn into a wider war in Iran. Germany says the same: “This is not our war.” France maintains a significant naval presence in the region, yet President Emmanuel Macron stresses that its measures are defensive and that France will not engage in combat operations.
Then he steps into the ring and promises the audience a quick technical knockout. But the days pass, and nothing happens. The bout has now dragged on for nearly three weeks, and the muscleman is crying out for help.
Donald Trump’s plea over the weekend spread across the world at lightning speed, but no helping hands came back. Britain’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, says the UK does not wish to be drawn into a wider war in Iran. Germany says the same: “This is not our war.” France maintains a significant naval presence in the region, yet President Emmanuel Macron stresses that its measures are defensive and that France will not engage in combat operations.
China Covers 1 Billion People With Basic Medical Insurance
Health care coverage in China continued its steady expansion last year, with more than 1.3 billion people enrolled in medical insurance, according to official data.
The country of 1.4 billion has made major public health gains over recent decades as rising incomes have lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty, pushing average life expectancy to 79 in 2024, on par with the United States. But benefits remain limited, funding varies by province, private care plays a growing role, and access gaps persist, especially between urban and rural areas.
The country of 1.4 billion has made major public health gains over recent decades as rising incomes have lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty, pushing average life expectancy to 79 in 2024, on par with the United States. But benefits remain limited, funding varies by province, private care plays a growing role, and access gaps persist, especially between urban and rural areas.
China’s medical insurance system, comprising public basic insurance and supplementary private coverage, covered 1.33 billion people, or about 95 percent of the population, at the end of 2025, according to a report released Monday by the country's National Healthcare Security Administration.
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