Can the US be counted on for Asia security? Crisis report casts doubt, warns of arms race

Scammers are setting up convincing fake websites that mimic well-known brands, then using social media ads to bait unsuspecting shoppers with "too-good-to-be-true" deals. Victims report losing money, and critics argue platforms like Facebook and Instagram aren’t doing enough to stop these fraudulent ads.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about a few shady ads—it’s a growing problem where everyday people get duped because scam sites look legit and social media algorithms amplify their reach. With more shopping happening online, these scams erode trust in both brands and platforms, raising questions about who’s responsible for policing them.

Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is positioning his daughter, Nurul Izzah, as his political successor—a move that’s sparking frustration among young Malaysians. Many see it as more of the same: dynastic politics, unresolved grievances, and empty promises from a generation they feel has failed them.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about one family—it’s a sign of deeper discontent. Malaysia’s youth, already disillusioned by economic struggles and political infighting, are pushing back against what they view as recycled leadership. If the establishment doesn’t listen, it could fuel even broader distrust in the system.

China is revamping classic children’s songs with a militaristic twist—think "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" but with lyrics praising the Y-20 transport plane. The catchy, patriotic videos are going viral, with online crowds cheering for Chinese-made weapons, especially those used in recent conflicts like Kashmir. It’s propaganda meets nursery rhymes, and it’s clearly striking a chord.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about catchy tunes—it’s a soft-power play. By blending nostalgia with nationalism, China’s reinforcing military pride among younger generations and everyday netizens. It’s also a subtle flex of its growing arms industry, especially as Chinese weapons gain real-world use in global hotspots. Whether it’s effective or unsettling depends on who’s listening.

Poland’s presidential candidates clashed in a high-stakes debate, with Ukraine and Poland’s role in Europe taking center stage. Rafał Trzaskowski, the pro-EU mayor of Warsaw, squared off against Karol Nawrocki, a right-wing populist, in a tense exchange ahead of next week’s runoff election. The debate highlighted starkly different visions for Poland’s future—Trzaskowski pushing for closer European ties and support for Ukraine, while Nawrocki leaned toward nationalist skepticism of Brussels. With the race too close to call, the debate could sway undecided voters in a pivotal moment for Poland’s direction.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about who becomes Poland’s next president—it’s a referendum on the country’s identity. Will Poland double down on its pro-EU stance and solidarity with Ukraine, or shift toward a more isolationist, nationalist path? The outcome could ripple across Europe, especially as Ukraine fights for survival and the EU grapples with rising populism. For Poles, it’s a choice between two very different futures.

A former Ukrainian presidential adviser, Andrey Portnov, reportedly made a secret trip to Kiev and met with high-ranking officials just days before he was assassinated in Madrid, according to Ukrainian media. The timing raises questions about whether his visit and subsequent killing are connected.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another crime story—it’s a high-stakes political mystery. If Portnov was meeting with top officials before his death, it suggests his killing could be linked to internal power struggles or sensitive information. Given Ukraine’s tense political climate, this could fuel speculation about corruption, espionage, or even foreign involvement. It’s the kind of story that might unravel bigger secrets down the line.