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Jul 21, 2026 - World

A foreign affairs expert laid out the horrifying scenario that President Donald Trump finds himself in now that the war with Iran is starting to escalate again. The Trump administration has bombed Iran for nearly two consecutive weeks following the Iranian regime's decision to attack commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, an action that was prohibited under the memorandum of understanding that the two countries signed in June to reopen the Strait. While the administration has framed the strikes as a "tit-for-tat" operation, Brett McGurk, former Middle East expert on the National Security Council, told CNN's Brianna Keilar on "The Source" that the escalating tensions could end badly. "I worked on this off and on for 20 years ... I think this is the most difficult predicament I've ever seen because Iran is determined to use its power drones and missiles to control the Strait of Hormuz, and they will target ships," McGurk said. "And when we hit them back, because I think we should do that if they're targeting commercial shipping, they will then target our bases, and they target our living quarters."Over the weekend, reports indicated that three U.S. service members had died from Iranian drone strikes on U.S. bases in the region. The total number of service members killed in the war with Iran stands at 17, according to reports. McGurk said the trajectory of the war suggests that the U.S. is in for a "long, hot summer." "I'm sure the Iranians are in their bunkers thinking about targeting us," McGurk said. "This is going to continue. I was at this desk early in the summer. I said, I think we're heading into a very long, hot summer. And here we are in the middle of it. I just don't see the off-ramp.

Jul 20, 2026 - World

A MAGA lawmaker and close Trump ally was called out Monday for his comments about troops dying during the Iran war as the United States has launched new strikes.Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) spoke with CNN anchor Phil Mattingly about American casualties in the ongoing conflict, which has left 17 U.S. service members dead, including at least three who died during the last several days. "My condolences go out to the families of our service men and women that are killed," Gimenez said. "That is the nature of warfare. We will have some casualties."Gimenez argued that the United States has had a "low number of casualties" and acknowledged that this might not be comforting for Gold Star families.The internet had a strong response to the Republican's remarks."Just brush off needless loss of life like an a------, it's Trump 101," progressive political commentator Rodger Williams wrote on X."Wow, so heartwarming. SMH. This regime is nothing but ghouls," the X account Gig - The Great Gig in the Sky, which has more than 47,000 followers and frequently comments on politics, wrote."Easy for a punka-- politician with no skin in the game to say about troops to have sacrificed for something completely unnecessary," Marc Xavier Adams, who self-describes as retired USMC and a Democrat, wrote on X."So disrespectful," user xtine_mac, a political commentator, wrote on X."It's sickening how Rep Gimenez talks about young people dying in a war as if their lives were not worth much. If you are going to spend our nation's most valuable assets you should make sure that's the only choice you have. That's certainly not true in this case," attorney George Suggs wrote on Bluesky."Stunningly callous," Bluesky user njcnlr, who self-identifies as a former communications director for a hunger relief agency, wrote.Rep. Carlos Gimenez on fallen US troops: "That is the nature of warfare. We will have some casualties." pic.twitter.com/hhFk0WKGGr— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 20, 2026

Jul 20, 2026 - World

FBI Director Kash Patel has planned a trip to Russia, making him the first FBI director to visit the country in 13 years, according to a Politico report on Monday.The trip is slated for October 14-15, as Washington and Moscow have hit a deadlock over how to stop the war in Ukraine and as lawmakers have called for sanctions against the country, Politico reported. It's unclear if he will meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin or any of his top aides. The agenda for the visit was also unknown, sources told Politico."It would be an unusual and sensitive trip for an FBI chief to one of America’s top adversaries," according to Politico.Patel has faced growing scrutiny from Congress in recent months over his frequent trips, and this trip to Moscow raises questions about his "history of involvement in controversial Russia-related matters dating to President Donald Trump’s first term, including trying to cast doubt on investigations into whether Trump colluded with Russia to help him win the 2016 election — an episode he now calls the 'Russiagate hoax.'" Robert Mueller was the last FBI director to visit Russia in 2013, and later was appointed special counsel to investigate Russia's involvement with election interference."U.S. intelligence officials have concluded for years that Moscow has been behind efforts to sow discord and interfere in U.S. elections, findings supported by documents Trump declassified last week ahead of a speech intended to bolster support for his long-shot effort to overhaul U.S. voting laws," Politico reported. "The Kremlin has also been suspected to be behind major cybersecurity breaches of government agencies and private sector companies."'News of the trip comes as Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has faced off against senators in his confirmation hearings. Patel's trip in October "could prompt new questions from lawmakers about the Justice Department’s decision-making," according to Politico. In July, top Democratic leaders in the House and Senate Judiciary committees launched an investigation into Patel's potential use of taxpayer-funded resources.

Jul 20, 2026 - World

Youth-led group calls on education minister to quit in one of India’s largest anti-government rallies in yearsTens of thousands of protesters have defied police orders and descended on Delhi to demand the resignation of India’s education minister in one of the largest anti-government demonstrations in years.A huge crowd, largely made up of students and gen Z-ers, filled the streets in the heart of India’s capital from early Monday morning shouting anti-government slogans. Hundreds had already camped out overnight. Continue reading...

Jul 19, 2026 - World

Incumbent Carlos Vila Nova hopes to defeat his former party and secure second term as independentVoters in São Tomé and Príncipe go to the polls for a presidential election on Sunday as one of Africa’s least populous countries seeks to burnish its democratic credentials.According to the National Election Commission, about 142,000 people are registered to vote in the tiny African state’s elections, approximately 15% of whom live in the diaspora. Continue reading...