Criminal groups have captured parts of the state. A broad political coalition must fight corruption and root them out.

TikTok CEO testifies before the House; Google releases AI chatbot; U.S. authorities shut down cybercrime forum; U.S. unveils new semiconductor rules; Google suspends Chinese app.

Ecuadorians say crime and public authorities’ inability, or unwillingness, to stop it is what they are most worried about. 

Chinese economic growth has slowed dramatically as the country’s economic woes multiply.

South Africa has long been a cornerstone of Iran’s South-South strategy, which aims to strengthen ties with African and South American states. Strongly promoted by President Ahmadinejad, the South-South strategy intends to boost Iranian international credibility and promote trade. The Islamic Republic was one of the first countries to resume trade with South Africa following the end of apartheid, and the two countries have enjoyed strong relations ever since.

This week: Questioning the Bloomberg SuperMicro story, giving the EU authority to sanction in response to cyber operations, Google drops out of JEDI, intelligence sharing to counter China.