Why Southeast Asia is Drifting Away from Washington

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The geopolitical landscape of Southeast Asia is undergoing a tectonic shift. For decades, the United States was viewed as the indispensable powerthe security guarantor that allowed the region’s tiger economies to flourish. However, recent events, culminating in the devastating economic fallout of the Iran war, have accelerated a trend that many in Washington failed to see coming: Southeast Asia is increasingly looking toward Beijing, not out of ideological love, but out of pragmatic necessity. This shift is not merely a preference for one superpower over another; it is a profound vote of no confidence in the predictability and reliability of Western leadership. The Credibility Gap: From Trade Wars to Kinetic Wars The erosion of trust didn't happen overnight. It began with a series of inconsistent trade policies and sudden tariffs that left regional exportersfrom Malaysia to Vietnamreeling. When global leadership feels like a moving target, Southeast Asian nations, which prioritize...
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Historic Snowstorm Puts NYC on Alert: Blizzard Legacy and Recovery

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NEW YORK — A ferocious late-winter storm dubbed one of the most significant in recent memory continues to unfold in New York City, leaving behind dramatic snowfall totals and a city still in recovery mode. Central Park recorded snowfall totals approaching 20 inches, while neighborhoods across Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island saw between 15 and 24 inches — among the highest the city has seen in years.

The National Weather Service issued blizzard warnings before the storm, which was powered by a strong nor’easter and fueled by intense winds and moisture. While the warnings were lifted as conditions eased, travel remains risky due to residual blowing snow and slick surfaces.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents to exercise caution, reminding drivers of the dangers of black ice on elevated roadways and closures in certain parts of the city. Snow removal operations have been one of the highest priorities citywide, with sanitation crews deploying extra plows and personnel to keep streets passable.

Most schools shuttered during the storm, and though many have since reopened, attendance has been affected by continued travel concerns. Airlines suspended service at major airports, with thousands of flights canceled or delayed in the days after the storm.

Looking ahead, temperatures are expected to rise into the upper 30s and low 40s by mid-week, promoting melting and easing immediate snow impacts. Nonetheless, officials warn that pockets of ice and flooded streets from melting snow will demand continued vigilance from residents.

Emergency management agencies continue to disseminate updates through city alert systems, and residents are advised to follow guidance from weather services to stay informed.

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