February 16Feb 16 Munich Security Showdown: US vs. EuropeTensions soared at the Munich Security Conference as strained US-European ties took center stage. Trump's aggressive stance forced allies to confront America's growing belligerence on the global scene. The event's theme, "wrecking-ball politics," highlighted a fractured international order.Get the latest headlines in your email 1. Merz Calls for Unity Amid ChaosGerman Chancellor Friedrich Merz opened the conference with a strong call for unity. He warned that the US-led global order is crumbling and urged Europe to rally together while advocating for improved ties with Washington. His speech struck a balance between caution and hope, offering a path to mending relations during turbulent times.2. Rubio Offers Reassurance Amid Past TensionsSecretary of State Marco Rubio received applause for his speech, contrasting sharply with last year’s fiery address by Vice President Vance. Rubio advocated for the reform of international cooperation systems like NATO and the UN, emphasizing partnership rather than tearing alliances apart. His approach was seen as an olive branch, although not without controversy.3. Ocasio-Cortez Pushes Progressive VisionRep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez made waves with her focus on income inequality, presenting it as a safeguard against authoritarianism. She criticized unconditional US support for Israel, gaining attention while boosting her foreign policy credentials. Despite a verbal stumble on Taiwan, her emphasis on economic issues resonated with many.4. Newsom Declares Trump's Influence TemporaryCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom reassured attendees that Trump is a passing phase, focusing on enduring partnerships like California’s environmental efforts. He struck agreements with Germany and the UK, emphasizing states as stable allies. Newsom argued that the traditional global order is dormant, ready for renewal.5. Zelensky Keeps Ukraine ProminentUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stressed the need for continued support, criticizing US concessions that sidelined Europe. Although Ukraine's spotlight has dimmed in recent years, Zelensky’s appeals reminded attendees of the ongoing conflict and the importance of maintaining focus on his nation.This year’s Munich Security Conference emphasized fractured alliances and the potential for diplomatic renewal amidst shifting geopolitical landscapes.Key TakeawaysMerz seeks to repair US-EU ties, warning of a crumbling order.Rubio’s conciliatory tone contrasts with past US aggressiveness.Ocasio-Cortez's international debut highlights inequality concerns.Newsom positions Trump as temporary, focuses on enduring partnerships.Zelensky calls for continued support, highlighting Ukraine’s struggle.Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now · Source · 16 Feb 2026 View full article Don’t miss the latest headlines from Thailand and around the world. Get the Asean Now Briefing newsletter, delivered daily. Sign up here.
February 17Feb 17 Problem being Trump is right and the EU is wrong.In Europe Russia is not our enemy, Islam is our enemy (along with all the EU leaders).
February 17Feb 17 A Tale of Two Speeches Even though, in her maiden speech on the world stage AOC stumbled badly on Taiwan, she still managed to deliver a strong ideological message about workers and global solidarity. By contrast, Newsom's speech was polished and climate‑focused, and it must have reassured European leaders the U.S. isn’t just Trump’s America. His blunt line that “Trump is temporary. He’ll be gone in three years” is certain to have reassured many in the room. Yes, Europe–U.S. relations have taken a beating, and AOC’s Taiwan answer (revealing her lack of foreign policy experience) didn’t help. But, Newsom’s confident pitch showed there’s certainly light at the end of the tunnel. Credible, positive American leaders are still out there, ready to rebuild trust and partnership once the current storm has passed.
February 17Feb 17 Popular Post 21 minutes ago, Jim Waldron said:His blunt line that “Trump is temporary. He’ll be gone in three years” is certain to have reassured many in the room.Trump doesn't think he'll be gone in 3 years....someone should tell him!
February 17Feb 17 Popular Post 48 minutes ago, BritManToo said:Problem being Trump is right and the EU is wrong.In Europe Russia is not our enemy, Islam is our enemy (along with all the EU leaders).Tell that to the Poles, Latvians, Lithuanians, Estonians, Swedes, Finns and Norwegians; not forgetting the Romanians and Ukrainians!The Islamic threats have been shepherded in from states under the Russian sphere of influence by the Russians. Either to overload the finances of the European states in dealing with refugees, or to foster radicalist attacks on the system and make it look weak.Scores of migrants cross into Poland through hidden Belarus border tunnel | Reuters
February 17Feb 17 a verbal stumble on Taiwan!!!!!That horrific exposure of an utterly empty mind was enough to wash away any chance this nincompoop ever had of reaching high office.Her temerity in appearing in Munich for a conference where all participants can be assumed to have a minimal grasp of foreign affairs is staggering.
February 17Feb 17 1 hour ago, CharlieH said:Ocasio-Cortez Pushes Progressive VisionRep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez made waves with her focus on income inequality, presenting it as a safeguard against authoritarianism. She criticized unconditional US support for Israel, gaining attention while boosting her foreign policy credentials. Despite a verbal stumble on Taiwan, her emphasis on economic issues resonated with many.She also showed how much of an ultimate idiot dingbat she is by claiming that Venezuela is south of the equator. Not surprising though that she seems to be the leader of those who are like minded, or like un-minded that is.
February 17Feb 17 3 hours ago, novacova said:She also showed how much of an ultimate idiot dingbat she is by claiming that Venezuela is south of the equator. Not surprising though that she seems to be the leader of those who are like minded, or like un-minded that is.Was it Al Gore that thought they speak Latin in Latin America?"I was recently on a tour of Latin America, and the only regret I have was that I didn't study Latin harder in school so I could converse with those people."
February 17Feb 17 4 hours ago, Jim Waldron said:His blunt line that “Trump is temporary. He’ll be gone in three years” is certain to have reassured many in the room.Of course Trump will be gone in three years. What he did not tell is that Vance will be the next POTUS. Dems like to forget this small detail all the time. They live in hope and will be disappointed one more time.
February 17Feb 17 2 hours ago, BritManToo said:Was it Al Gore that thought they speak Latin in Latin America?"I was recently on a tour of Latin America, and the only regret I have was that I didn't study Latin harder in school so I could converse with those people.""I was recently on a tour of Latin America, and the only regret I have was that I didn't study Latin harder in school so I could converse with those people." –Dan Quayle - CSMonitor.comEven then, a fake quote attributed to Dan Quayle
February 17Feb 17 11 hours ago, novacova said:She also showed how much of an ultimate idiot dingbat she is by claiming that Venezuela is south of the equator. Not surprising though that she seems to be the leader of those who are like minded, or like un-minded that is.Wrong hemisphere — quite understandable — but only by about an hour’s drive. Obviously, the geography was never the real issue.
February 17Feb 17 Rubio praise for Orbán sparks EU fears of US division strategyComments by Marco Rubio during a recent European tour have intensified concerns in the European Union that the United States is encouraging political disunity within Europe. Speaking after the Munich Security Conference, Rubio travelled to Hungary and Slovakia, two EU states heavily reliant on Russian energy and sceptical of the bloc’s strong backing of Ukraine.In Budapest, Rubio praised Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, declaring that US-Hungarian relations had entered a “golden age” and suggesting this would continue as long as Orbán remained in power. Rubio also hinted at potential US financial assistance and support for extending Hungary’s exemption from sanctions on Russian oil and gas purchases.The remarks came just weeks before a critical parliamentary election that poses the most serious challenge to Orbán’s Fidesz party in more than a decade. Analysts in Brussels viewed Rubio’s comments as bordering on an endorsement that could influence the vote.European officials fear the move mirrors previous US support for populist allies, including financial backing for Javier Milei in Argentina, which helped stabilize that country’s economy ahead of elections.While Rubio struck a conciliatory tone at the Munich conference and voiced support for NATO, critics argue his Hungary visit undermined that message. Analysts say it reinforced a broader perception—already fuelled by statements from Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance—that Europe can no longer rely on unified US backing.As one European diplomat summarized, the underlying message was stark: Europe should prepare to stand on its own.Key TakeawaysRubio praised Viktor Orbán ahead of Hungary’s critical election.EU officials fear US actions are fueling political divisions in Europe.Despite NATO-friendly rhetoric, trust in US unity is weakening.Marco Rubio’s warm words to Viktor Orbán reinforce EU fears that US seeks disunity in Europe
February 17Feb 17 Rubio’s remarks in Hungary and Slovakia expose the U.S. as a two‑faced Janus! One mouth preaching unity, the other pushing division. At a time when cohesion is vital, Europe should be wary of the rhetoric that plays both sides and leaves the EU less secure.
February 18Feb 18 1 hour ago, Jim Waldron said:Rubio’s remarks in Hungary and Slovakia expose the U.S. as a two‑faced Janus!One mouth preaching unity, the other pushing division.At a time when cohesion is vital, Europe should be wary of the rhetoric that plays both sides and leaves the EU less secure.There may be an unnecessary 'J' in your first line?
February 18Feb 18 18 minutes ago, animalmagic said:There may be an unnecessary 'J' in your first line?Animalmagic, Thank you for pointing this out. Must have been my phone's predictive text! JW
February 18Feb 18 4 hours ago, Jim Waldron said:Animalmagic,Thank you for pointing this out. Must have been my phone's predictive text!JWMy pleasure. I have a degree in stating the obvious. 😇
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