News
Israel launches preemptive strike
- 13/06/2025 » 16:05 by cronywell
Israel launches preemptive strike on Iran, killing IRGC's top commander
This file photo taken on Nov. 4, 2021 shows Chief Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Hossein Salami speaking at a rally in Tehran, Iran. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Friday that Israel has launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran. Chief Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Hossein Salami and Gholam-Ali Rashid, commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, were assassinated as a result of the airstrikes, the official news agency IRNA reported. (Photo by Ahmad Malek/Xinhua)
TEHRAN/JERUSALEM, June 13 Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Friday that Israel has launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed in a statement that its jets have completed the first-stage attack, notably strikes on dozens of military targets, including nuclear targets in different areas of Iran.
Chief Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Hossein Salami and Gholam-Ali Rashid, commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, were assassinated as a result of the airstrikes, the official news agency IRNA reported.
The Israeli airstrikes also killed two Iranian nuclear scientists, identified as Mohammad-Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoun Abbasi, the report said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video address that the goal of the ongoing operation is "to strike Iran's nuclear infrastructure, Iran's ballistic missile factories, and Iran's military capabilities," and will continue "for as many days as it takes."
Explosions were reported in Tehran and counties of Natanz, Khondab and Khorramabad, the Iranian state TV reported, adding that multiple casualties, including women and children, were reported in a residential building in Tehran.
Both Israel and Iran closed their airspace following the attack. Israel has declared a nationwide state of emergency.
In a statement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied any U.S. assistance or involvement in the "unilateral" attack, adding that Israel had told Washington that it believed the strikes were necessary for its self-defense.
Earlier on Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump warned of a possible "massive conflict" in the Middle East, saying that "I don't want them going in" as direct talks between the United States and Iran are ongoing.
"I want to have an agreement with Iran. We're fairly close to an agreement ... As long as I think there is an agreement, I don't want them going in because that would blow it," he told reporters in the White House. ■
This photo taken on June 13, 2025 shows buildings damaged during Israeli strikes in Tehran, Iran. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Friday that Israel has launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran.
Chief Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Hossein Salami and Gholam-Ali Rashid, commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, were assassinated as a result of the airstrikes, the official news agency IRNA reported. (Xinhua)
This photo taken on June 13, 2025 shows buildings damaged during Israeli strikes in Tehran, Iran. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Friday that Israel has launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran.
Chief Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Hossein Salami and Gholam-Ali Rashid, commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, were assassinated as a result of the airstrikes, the official news agency IRNA reported. (Xinhua)
This photo taken on June 13, 2025 shows buildings damaged during Israeli strikes in Tehran, Iran. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Friday that Israel has launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran.
Chief Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Hossein Salami and Gholam-Ali Rashid, commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, were assassinated as a result of the airstrikes, the official news agency IRNA reported. (Xinhua)
Engineering vehicles remove debris of buildings damaged during Israeli strikes in Tehran, Iran, June 13, 2025. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Friday that Israel has launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran.
Chief Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Hossein Salami and Gholam-Ali Rashid, commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, were assassinated as a result of the airstrikes, the official news agency IRNA reported. (Xinhua)
People check a vehicle damaged during Israeli strikes in Tehran, Iran, June 13, 2025. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Friday that Israel has launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran.
Chief Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Hossein Salami and Gholam-Ali Rashid, commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, were assassinated as a result of the airstrikes, the official news agency IRNA reported. (Xinhua)
A rescuer attempts to remove debris of buildings damaged during Israeli strikes in Tehran, Iran, June 13, 2025. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Friday that Israel has launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran.
Chief Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Hossein Salami and Gholam-Ali Rashid, commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, were assassinated as a result of the airstrikes, the official news agency IRNA reported. (Xinhua)
A rescuer attempts to remove debris of buildings damaged during Israeli strikes in Tehran, Iran, June 13, 2025. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Friday that Israel has launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran.
Chief Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Hossein Salami and Gholam-Ali Rashid, commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, were assassinated as a result of the airstrikes, the official news agency IRNA reported. (Xinhua)
NASA and CSA to assign astronauts for Artemis II
- 30/05/2025 » 16:47 by cronywell
NASA and CSA to assign astronauts for Artemis II
NASA and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) will announce the four astronauts who will venture to the Moon's surroundings. The announcement will be made during an event to be held at 11 a.m. EDT (10 a.m. CDT) on Monday, April 3, at NASA's Johnson Space Center's Ellington Field in Houston.
Artemis II is the first crewed flight test in the Agency's plan to establish a long-term scientific and human presence on the lunar surface.
NASA and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) will announce the four astronauts who will venture to the Moon's surroundings. The announcement will be made during an event to be held at 11 a.m. EDT (10 a.m. CDT) on Monday, April 3, at NASA's Johnson Space Center's Ellington Field in Houston. The astronauts will travel aboard NASA's Orion spacecraft during the Artemis II mission, the first crewed flight test in the agency's plan to establish both a long-term scientific and human presence on the lunar surface.
The event will air on NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency's website.
Media are invited to attend the event and talk to astronauts about their assignments. Other experts working on Artemis missions, including Spanish speakers, will also be available. On Tuesday, April 4, there will be more opportunities to remotely interview crew and other experts.
International media wishing to attend should contact NASA by 5 p.m. CDT on Friday, March 17. U.S. media should contact NASA by 5 p.m. CDT on Monday, March 27. Media can RSVP to the Johnson Center Newsroom by calling +1 281-483-5111 or emailing: jsccommu@mail.nasa.gov.
Artemis II is the first crewed mission aboard NASA's critical infrastructure for deep space exploration with humans: the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, the Orion spacecraft and the ground systems needed for its launch. The mission, which lasts approximately 10 days, will test the life support systems of the Orion spacecraft to demonstrate the capabilities and techniques necessary to live and work in deep space in a way that only humans can.
The crew will include three NASA astronauts and one CSA astronaut, highlighting the agency's strong international partnerships and global alliance exploring deep space for the benefit of humanity under Artemis. Artemis II builds on the successful Artemis I flight test, which launched an uncrewed Orion spacecraft, mounted on the SLS rocket, on a journey of about 2.25 million kilometers (1.4 million miles) beyond the Moon to test the systems before astronauts fly aboard the systems on a mission to the Moon.
Trump's visit to the Persian Gulf
- 17/05/2025 » 21:19 by cronywell
Trump's visit to the Persian Gulf signals a possible shift in Middle East politics
United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (right) meets with U.S. President Donald Trump on a visit to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, May 15, 2025. (Emirates News Agency)
U.S. President Donald Trump departed the United Arab Emirates on Friday, concluding a four-day tour of the Persian Gulf that analysts say "is about money."
Despite hopes that Washington will promote a ceasefire and ease tensions, Trump's visit saw continued Israeli airstrikes and an escalation of regional conflicts.
Trump's trip not only glossed over the concerns of the Arab world, but also appeared to sideline Israel's sensitivities.
U.S. President Donald Trump departed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday afternoon, concluding a lucrative four-day tour of the Gulf, which also took him to Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Despite expectations that Trump's visit could help defuse the conflict in Gaza and ease regional tensions, the U.S. president focused his visit to the Middle East primarily on economic gains, securing multibillion-dollar investment commitments from the three Gulf countries.
Analysts believe that by bypassing the region's conflict zones and prioritizing trade deals, Trump's tour signals a potential shift in U.S. policy in the Middle East.
COST-EFFECTIVE TRAVEL
Huge trade deals defined Trump's Middle East tour.
From the beginning of his second term, Trump signaled that his first major foreign trip would emphasize advancing U.S. economic interests. On his inauguration day in January, Trump declared that he would choose Saudi Arabia as his first destination "if Saudi Arabia wanted to buy another $450 or $500 billion (of U.S.) goods."
Upon his arrival in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, Trump secured an investment deal with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, securing $600 billion in U.S. investments.
Among the agreements signed is "the largest defense sales deal in history: nearly $142 billion," according to a White House statement. Under this agreement, the United States will supply Saudi Arabia with "state-of-the-art war equipment and services from more than a dozen U.S. defense companies."
In Qatar, Trump reached an agreement with the Gulf nation to generate "an economic exchange worth at least 1.2 trillion dollars." He also secured commercial deals worth more than $243.5 billion, including the sale of 210 U.S.-made Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X jets to Qatar Airways, valued at $96 billion.
Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (2nd right) and U.S. President Donald Trump (2nd left) witness the signing of a series of agreements at the Amiri Diwan in Doha, Qatar, on May 14, 2025. (Amiri Diwan/Qatar News Agency)
In the United Arab Emirates, the last stop on the trip, Trump announced $200 billion in bilateral trade deals, bringing "the total investment deals in the Gulf region to more than $2 trillion," the White House said.
Trump's trip to the Middle East "is all about money," said Rodger Shanahan, a Middle East analyst at the Lowy Institute. "The Gulf states are a source of foreign investment for the United States of a size that makes for good announcements."
"IMPRECISE ROLE" IN EASING TENSIONS
Despite hopes that Washington would leverage its special ties with Israel to promote a ceasefire and reduce regional tensions, the United States has yet to take meaningful steps to resolve Middle East conflicts.
During Trump's visit, Israel continued large-scale airstrikes on Gaza, killing dozens of people daily. In Yemen, Houthi forces and Israel launched continuous retaliatory attacks, while frequent Israeli military attacks on Lebanon caused casualties.
Smoke rises after Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip, as seen from Israel's southern border with the Gaza Strip, on May 16, 2025. (Photo by Jamal Awad)
Although the U.S. claims to seek peace in the Middle East, "the reality on the ground contradicts the stated goals of the United States," said Mostafa Amin, an Egyptian researcher on Arab and international affairs. "The murders (...) on the part of Israel during Trump's visit raise serious questions about the sincerity of any U.S. peace effort."
The disappointment among Arab nations came from Trump's incendiary comments about the occupation of Gaza. At a roundtable discussion with Qatari officials in Doha, he suggested that the United States should "take" Gaza and reshape its future.
"I think I would be proud that the United States has it, takes it, makes it a freedom zone," he told reporters. "Let good things happen, let people be in homes where they can be safe, and Hamas is going to have to be dealt with."
"He referred to peace only in the context of the release of hostages," said Amjad Abu al-Ezz, a political science professor at the Arab American University in the West Bank. "There was no mention of a ceasefire, de-escalation or even basic humanitarian corridors (in Gaza)."
Trump did not hesitate to criticize Iran during his trip, calling it "the most destructive force" in the Middle East and accusing it of fueling regional instability. His comments drew sharp rebukes from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, further escalating already strained U.S.-Iran relations.
"Although Trump's visit produced some economic benefits, the United States has yet to present clear solutions to the underlying regional tensions," said Ali Johar, a political analyst in the United Arab Emirates.
By focusing solely on its economic interests and ignoring the concerns of regional populations, Washington appears to be drifting toward a "lazy role" in resolving conflicts in the region, Johar said.
POSSIBLE POLICY CHANGE
Not only did Trump's trip overlook the concerns of the Arab world, but it also seemed to sideline Israel's sensitivities.
Unlike his first presidential trip to the Middle East in 2017, Trump's last visit excluded Israel from his itinerary. On the eve of his arrival, reports emerged that the United States had even held direct talks with Hamas, culminating in the release of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander.
People watch a live broadcast of the release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander in a square in Tel Aviv, Israel, on May 12, 2025. (Photo by Jamal Awad)
"Skipping Israel was seen as a reflection of the deterioration of ties between the US administration and the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu," said an Al Jazeera analysis.
While in the United Arab Emirates, Trump acknowledged that "a lot of people are starving in Gaza," an unusual statement interpreted as a sign of his growing frustration over Israel's protracted military campaign.
Analysts suggest that Trump, known for his pragmatic "America First" stance, is losing patience with Israel.
"For decades, Israel has leveraged its special relationship with the United States to serve as Washington's gatekeeper," the Times of Israel wrote in an op-ed, noting that many in Israel "were concerned that the best partner they had ever had in the White House had lost interest."
This concern is not unfounded. Frederick Kempe, president and CEO of the Atlantic Council, said the Trump administration would rather "swim in a stream of investment in the Gulf than get bogged down in the region's persistent problems."
The United States appears to be shifting its focus and policy priorities to the Gulf region and the economic field, said Kheir Diabat, a professor at Qatar University's Department of International Affairs.
"While economic cooperation is certainly beneficial to the region," Diabat added, "what the United States should prioritize now is to shoulder its responsibility and help restore stability in the Middle East."
Thousands of Faithful Bid Farewell to Pope Francis
- 25/04/2025 » 10:19 by cronywell
Thousands of Faithful Bid Farewell to Pope Francis
Pope Francis, who died on Monday at the age of 88, is being held in St. Peter's Basilica where thousands of faithful come to pay their respects before his funeral, scheduled for Saturday.
The pontiff's body was transferred from Casa Santa Marta to the Basilica in a solemn procession led by the College of Cardinals. More than 20,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square received the coffin with applause as it was carried down the steps of the Basilica.
During the opening ceremony, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, led a brief prayer thanking "the innumerable gifts he bestowed on the Christian people through his servant, Pope Francis" during his 12-year pontificate.
The funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, April 26 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter's Square, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals. Some 200,000 faithful and more than 150 international delegations are expected to attend, including numerous heads of state and government.
Although Pope Francis introduced some changes to traditional funeral protocol, mainly related to the coffin, the ceremony will maintain the characteristic solemnity with strict diplomatic and liturgical protocol.
After Mass, the late Pope's body will be transferred from St. Peter's Basilica to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for burial.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio, born in Buenos Aires in 1936, was elected pope on March 13, 2013, becoming the first Latin American pontiff in history.
La deuda externa argentina ha experimentado un crecimiento sin precedentes desde la época de la dictadura militar, sin que este endeudamiento haya generado beneficios tangibles para su población. Este fenómeno está estrechamente relacionado con el modelo extractivista que los sucesivos gobiernos han impulsado con el objetivo de obtener las divisas necesarias para cumplir con los compromisos financieros internacionales.
Expertos advierten que contraer nuevos compromisos con el Fondo Monetario Internacional (FMI) profundizaría la entrega de bienes estratégicos y perpetuaría un ciclo de extractivismo, deterioro social y pérdida de soberanía nacional.
Intereses internacionales en recursos estratégicos
El interés de potencias como Francia en Argentina se centra principalmente en oportunidades de negocio vinculadas a la aprobación de acuerdos con el FMI, particularmente en sectores relacionados con los denominados "metales críticos". Esta aproximación se alinea con un modelo económico que prioriza la mercantilización, financiarización y extranjerización de recursos naturales como el litio y el uranio, bajo el discurso de la "transición energética".
Analistas comparan este mecanismo con una forma de extorsión, similar a las recientes exigencias internacionales de compensar ayuda militar con acceso a recursos minerales. La explotación de estos recursos en territorio argentino ha generado denuncias por violaciones de derechos y falta de participación democrática, como ocurre con la extracción de litio por empresas extranjeras en territorios de comunidades indígenas.
Un legado histórico cuestionado
Los conflictos actuales tienen raíces históricas que se remontan a la época colonial, cuando se estableció un patrón de deuda que fue posteriormente profundizado por los estados independientes. Figuras históricas como el General San Martín cuestionaron la legitimidad de las deudas coloniales, aunque la historia posterior muestra la imposición continua de nuevos compromisos financieros.
Durante el siglo XIX, los intereses de potencias como Gran Bretaña consolidaron un modelo económico dependiente de la exportación de productos primarios, incrementando simultáneamente las deudas históricas con los pueblos originarios y el medio ambiente.
El punto de inflexión de la dictadura
La dictadura militar instaurada en 1976 marcó un momento decisivo al insertar a Argentina en el sistema financiero global, estableciendo una conexión directa entre especulación financiera, endeudamiento y reprimarización económica. La rápida aprobación de un crédito del FMI tras el golpe de Estado fue interpretada como una señal de respaldo para la banca internacional.
El programa económico implementado durante este período, denunciado por periodistas como Rodolfo Walsh, resultó en lo que algunos economistas denominan "miseria planificada", caracterizada por cierre de industrias y aumento del desempleo. La deuda pública aumentó exponencialmente, incluyendo operaciones cuestionadas como el endeudamiento de empresas públicas y la posterior estatización de deudas privadas.
Crisis recurrentes y nuevo ciclo de endeudamiento
Tras el colapso económico de 2001, el modelo de especulación, extracción y endeudamiento ha persistido con la incorporación de nuevos actores financieros globales. Las consecuencias incluyen devastación ambiental, incremento de la pobreza y crecimiento sostenido de la deuda pública.
Críticos del sistema señalan como particularmente grave la operación financiera de 50.000 millones de dólares durante el gobierno de Mauricio Macri y las condiciones impuestas por el FMI, que según diversos análisis, perpetúan este ciclo. Alternativas como el canje de deuda por conservación ambiental son consideradas por muchos expertos como soluciones inadecuadas.
Ante el nuevo acuerdo con el FMI, economistas prevén un escenario de menor producción local, mayor pobreza y mayor presión sobre los recursos naturales. El objetivo primordial, según estas voces críticas, parece ser la obtención de divisas para mantener el ciclo de endeudamiento, aun a costa de mayor extranjerización y ajuste económico.
Los especialistas en economía y derechos humanos advierten sobre la urgencia de revisar la política de endeudamiento nacional para evitar lo que algunos analistas describen como un "sacrificio" de activos reales y recursos naturales en beneficio de acreedores externos.
Tariff Trade War
- 08/04/2025 » 17:27 by cronywell
Tariff Trade War
The trade war that has marked the last decades has been a complex phenomenon, with repercussions that transcend borders and economies. At the heart of this conflict are tariffs, those tariffs that governments impose on imported goods, as a tool to protect their local industries and often as a means of putting pressure on other nations.
The term "trade war" was popularized in the context of tensions between the United States and China, but its roots run much deeper. Since the 2008 financial crisis, the world's economies have been in a state of uncertainty. Governments, in an attempt to stimulate growth, began to adopt protectionist policies. However, it was the election of Donald Trump in 2016 that ignited the spark of a large-scale conflict.
Trump, with his slogan "America First," argued that U.S. trade policies had led to deindustrialization and job losses. Thus, he began to impose tariffs on Chinese goods, arguing that China was manipulating its currency and stealing intellectual property. This was the start of a series of measures that triggered a response from Beijing, leading to an escalation of tariffs that affected thousands of products.
Global Impact
The trade war did not only affect the United States and China. Economies around the world began to feel the repercussions. The tariffs imposed on products such as steel and aluminum not only impacted exporting countries, but also increased costs for U.S. manufacturers who relied on these materials. Global supply chains, which had been optimized for decades, were disrupted, leading to an increase in prices and a decrease in competitiveness.
Financial markets also reacted volatilely. Uncertainty about the future of international trade caused fluctuations in stock markets, affecting investments and consumer confidence. Companies began to rethink their strategies, seeking to diversify their sources of supply and reduce their dependence on a single country.
The International Response
As the trade war intensified, other countries began to take sides. The European Union, Mexico and Canada, among others, responded to the U.S. tariffs with their own tariffs. This dynamic not only complicated bilateral relations, but also created an environment of mistrust and rivalry in international trade.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) became a battleground, with countries filing complaints and disputes over tariff policies. However, the WTO's ability to mediate and resolve these conflicts was limited, leading to a stalemate in negotiations and increased global tension.
The Beginning of the End
However, as the trade war progressed, signs began to emerge that this conflict might be coming to an end. The COVID-19 pandemic, which broke out in 2020, drastically altered the global economic landscape. Disruptions in supply chains and the need for international cooperation to face the health crisis led many leaders to reconsider their positions.
In this context, negotiations were held between the United States and China, resulting in the signing of "Phase One" of the trade agreement in January 2020. This agreement included commitments to purchase U.S. agricultural products by China and a commitment not to devalue its currency. Although it did not resolve all tensions, it was a step towards de-escalation.
Final Thoughts
The tariff trade war has left an indelible mark on the global economy. It has highlighted the interconnectedness of modern economies and the fragility of trade relations. As the world faces new challenges, such as climate change and health crises, the need for collaboration and mutual understanding becomes more pressing.
The beginning of the end of this trade war could be indicative of a broader shift in how nations approach trade. Cooperation could replace confrontation, and tariffs could be seen as a tool of the past in a world seeking more sustainable and equitable solutions.
Ultimately, the tariff trade war has taught us that while tensions may arise, economic interdependence is a reality that cannot be ignored. The future of international trade will depend on the ability of countries to work together, find common ground, and build a trading system that benefits all.
One by one, this is how the deputies voted on the DNU in agreement with the IMF
- 20/03/2025 » 16:23 by cronywell
The ratification by the Chamber of Deputies of the Decree of Necessity and Urgency (DNU) authorizing a new agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is a significant event in the political and economic context of Argentina. These types of decisions tend to generate intense debates, as they involve financial commitments and adjustments that can affect broad sectors of society.
Legislative support, although not a law in itself, gives important institutional validation to the economic course that the ruling party seeks to implement. This reflects, in part, the correlation of political forces in Congress and the government's ability to achieve consensus, even if it is in a tight manner.
It is crucial to remember that agreements with the IMF are often accompanied by conditionalities that may include austerity measures, structural reforms, and fiscal adjustments. These policies are often controversial, as they can have profound social and economic impacts, especially on vulnerable sectors.
The phrase "Let's not forget who they are and what they vote for" seems to point to the political responsibility of legislators and their alignment with the interests of their constituents. In a context of economic crisis and high inflation, decisions related to the IMF are often viewed with skepticism by a part of the population, which can influence the public perception of political representatives and their votes.
In summary, this fact marks a milestone in the economic policy of the current government, but it also opens a space for debate on the costs and benefits of this type of agreement, as well as on the role of legislators in making decisions that affect the future of the country.
One by one, this is how the deputies voted on the DNU in agreement with the IMF
Abstención: 6 | Ausente: 13
sabrina
ajmechet
PRO
lisandro
almirón
LLA
pablo
ansaloni
LLA
marcela
antola
DPS
damián
arabia
PRO
alberto gustavo
arancibia rodríguez
LLA
martín
ardohain
PRO
martín
arjol
UCR
alberto
arrúa
IF
belén
avico
PRO
jorge antonio
avila
EF
karina ethel
bachey
PRO
nancy
ballejos
PRO
karina
banfi
UCR
mario
barletta
UNIDOS
atilio
benedetti
UCR
beltrán
benedit
LLA
bertie
benegas lynch
LLA
gabriela
besana
PRO
emmanuel
bianchetti
PRO
rocío
bonacci
LLA
alejandro
bongiovanni
PRO
gabriel
bornoroni
LLA
victoria
borrego
CC-ARI
sofía
brambilla
PRO
gabriela
brouwer de koning
UCR
pamela
calletti
IF
marcela
campagnoli
CC-ARI
mariano
campero
UCR
sergio eduardo
capozzi
PRO
soledad
carrizo
UCR
pablo
cervi
UCR
gabriel felipe
chumpitaz
PRO
gerardo
cipolini
UCR
julio
cobos
UCR
facundo
correa llano
LLA
carlos
d'alessandro
LLA
rodrigo
de loredo
UCR
maría florencia
de sensi
PRO
romina
diez
LLA
agustín
domingo
IF
nicolás
emma
LLA
josé luis
espert
LLA
eduardo
falcone
MID
daiana
fernández molero
PRO
agustín
fernández
IND
carlos alberto
fernández
IF
elia marina
fernández
IND
maximiliano
ferraro
CC-ARI
alida
ferreyra
LLA
germana
figueroa casas
PRO
alejandro
finocchiaro
PRO
mónica
frade
CC-ARI
ignacio
garcía aresca
EF
carlos
garcía
LLA
ricardo
garramuño
SF
josé luis
garrido
PSC
melina
giorgi
DPS
silvana
giudici
PRO
álvaro
gonzález
PRO
gerardo gustavo
gonzález
LLA
carlos
gutiérrez
EF
gerardo
huesen
LLA
maría cecilia
ibañez
MID
fernando adolfo
iglesias
PRO
florencia
klipauka lewtak
LLA
luciano andrés
laspina
PRO
lilia
lemoine
LLA
osvaldo
llancafilo
MPN
mercedes
llano
LLA
juan manuel
lópez
CC-ARI
silvia
lospennato
PRO
lorena
macyszyn
LLA
martín
maquieyra
PRO
nadia
márquez
LLA
álvaro
martínez
LLA
nicolás
mayoraz
LLA
gladys
medina
IND
gerardo
milman
PRO
guillermo
montenegro
LLA
francisco
monti
UCR
francisco
morchio
EF
julio
moreno ovalle
LLA
maría de los ángeles
moreno
PyT
lisandro
nieri
UCR
josé luis
nuñez
PRO
paula
oliveto lago
CC-ARI
paula
omodeo
CREO
emilia
orozco
LLA
pablo
outes
IF
marcela marina
pagano
LLA
santiago
pauli
LLA
josé luis
peluc
LLA
luis albino
picat
UCR
miguel ángel
pichetto
EF
nancy viviana
picón martínez
PyT
carolina
píparo
LLA
juan carlos
polini
DPS
maría celeste
ponce
LLA
fabio josé
quetglas
UCR
manuel
quintar
LLA
marilú
quiroz
PRO
verónica
razzini
PRO
roxana
reyes
UCR
cristian a.
ritondo
PRO
jorge
rizzotti
DPS
laura
rodríguez machado
PRO
ana clara
romero
PRO
yamila
ruíz
IF
javier
sánchez wrba
PRO
roberto antonio
sánchez
UCR
juliana
santillán juárez brahim
LLA
diego
santilli
PRO
santiago
santurio
LLA
natalia silvina
sarapura
UCR
maría
sotolano
PRO
alejandra
torres
EF
anibal
tortoriello
PRO
josé federico
tournier
UCR
césar
treffinger
LLA
daniel
vancsik
IF
patricia
vásquez
PRO
yolanda
vega
IF
pamela fernanda
verasay
UCR
maría eugenia
vidal
PRO
lorena
villaverde
LLA
martín
yeza
PRO
oscar
zago
MID
carlos raúl
zapata
LLA
Inflation rose to 2.4% in February and accumulated 66.9% in twelve months
- 15/03/2025 » 11:31 by cronywell
Inflation rose to 2.4% in February and accumulated 66.9% in twelve months
Prices rose above January's 2.2%. The increases in tariffs and food and beverages were the ones that had the most impact.
The cost of living was 2.4% in February, up from 2.2% in January, and in twelve months they accumulated a 66.9% increase.
The division with the highest increase in the month was Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (3.7%), due to increases in Housing rent and related expenses and Electricity, gas and other fuels.
It was followed by Food and non-alcoholic beverages (3.2%), mainly due to increases in Meat and derivatives.
The division that registered the highest incidence in all regions was Food and non-alcoholic beverages (3.2%), due to the increases in Meat and derivatives.
Thus, the great driver for the acceleration of the consumer price index (CPI) was the meat item.
The two divisions that registered the lowest variations in February 2025 were Household Equipment and Maintenance (1.0%) and Clothing and Footwear (0.4%).
At the category level, core CPI (2.9%) led the increase, followed by Regulated (2.3%), while Seasonal prices registered a decrease of 0.8%.
INDEC detailed the monthly variations in each region of Argentina.
Patagonia was the one that registered the highest number: 3.2%.
Cuyo (2.7%), Northwest (2.6%) and the Pampas Region (2.5%) were also above the national total.
Below that level were Greater Buenos Aires (2.2%) and the Northeast (1.9%).
The nationwide data is known two days after February inflation in the City registered a sharp drop. It was 2.1%.
In that case, the decline was largely explained by a seasonal factor, the 4.8% drop in tourism-related services, and despite the sharp increase in meat prices.
Thus, it accumulates in the first two months of the year a rise of 5.3% and a year-on-year trajectory of 79.4%, according to the Buenos Aires Institute of Statistics and Censuses.
The BCRA's latest Market Expectations Survey (REM) had forecast retail inflation of 2.3% in February and 2.2% in March.
The report published every month by the Central Bank, which in this case compiled the forecasts of 39 Argentine and foreign consultants, thus broke a trend of downward projections that began with the administration of Javier Milei.
For the first time during the current government, the REM registered a projection of higher inflation for the immediate future.
Desperate search for Liam Gael Flores Soraire, a 3-year-old boy who disappeared in Ballesteros Sud
- 23/02/2025 » 17:51 by cronywell
Desperate search for Liam Gael Flores Soraire, a 3-year-old boy who disappeared in Ballesteros Sud
Authorities and community mobilized to find the minor, whose whereabouts have been unknown since Saturday.
Ballesteros Sud, Córdoba – The disappearance of Liam Gael Flores Soraire, a 3-year-old boy, has shocked the town of Ballesteros Sud. Since Saturday, February 22, the authorities and neighbors have been working tirelessly to find him. The minor was last seen in a rural property where he lives with his family, on the outskirts of the town.
What is known so far?
Liam lives in a rural area inhabited by several families of Bolivian origin who work in a brick cutter. According to the Public Prosecutor's Office (MPF), the boy was last seen on Saturday afternoon, dressed in blue shorts, barefoot and bare-chested. She is approximately 90 centimeters tall, has a brown complexion and short black hair.
The authorities do not rule out any hypothesis and are working on multiple lines of investigation to clarify what happened. Prosecutor Isabel Reyna, in charge of the case, has requested the collaboration of the community to find the minor.
Intensified search operation
The operation to find Liam's whereabouts includes a wide deployment of security forces and technological resources. Bell Ville Volunteer Firefighters, members of the Union Department, agents of the Department of High Risk Units (Duar) and the Rural Patrol participate. In addition, 57 firefighters from regional 2 have joined, who carry out rakes in mountain areas, open fields, irrigation canals and rural roads.
To expand the search in hard-to-reach areas, authorities are using drones and sniffer dogs. Security Minister Juan Pablo Quinteros and Deputy Police Chief Antonio Urquiza personally oversee the operations.
How to collaborate
Authorities are urgently calling on the community to provide any information that may help locate Liam. The data can be communicated through the following channels:
- 911 (Emergencies)
- 101 (Police)
- Bell Ville Prosecutor's Office: 03537 450010 – 450013
- Any nearby police or judicial headquarters.
The dissemination of information is crucial. Any detail, no matter how small it may seem, could be key to finding the child.
Another IMF loan: "We are in a bad way, but we are doing well"
- 29/01/2025 » 18:36 by cronywell
Two major U.S. investment banks, Morgan Stanley and Bank of America, published reports on Argentina's macroeconomic scenario and its outlook for the financial market in 2025. Both agreed on the importance of the country reaching a new agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to advance in a gradual process of eliminating the exchange rate clamp.
Morgan Stanley Outlook
The Morgan Stanley report warned that Argentina' s current account showed signs of deterioration in the second half of 2024. However, he noted that a surplus in the financial account could make up for this shortfall. The IMF projected an initial disbursement of USD 5 billion by the IMF in 2025, as part of a program that could reach USD 20 billion, subject to compliance with fiscal and monetary conditions.
According to the analysis, the elimination of exchange restrictions will be progressive and will depend on the accumulation of international reserves. Morgan Stanley estimated that Argentina's central bank (BCRA) could increase its net reserves by USD 7 billion during the year, which would provide room for further flexibility in foreign exchange market access.
Bank of America Analysis
For its part, Bank of America highlighted that the Argentine government's fiscal adjustment strategy made it possible to reduce country risk and improve access to external financing. The bank agreed with the expectation of an agreement with the IMF in the first half of 2025, specifically before April. In addition, it projected that initial disbursements could range between USD 5,000 and USD 10,000 million, which would strengthen the BCRA's position.
Accumulation of reserves and exit strategy from the clamps
Morgan Stanley analyzed in detail the relationship between exchange rate policy and reserve accumulation. According to its projections, the country's financial account could generate a surplus of USD 9,800 million in 2025, driven by disbursements from multilateral organizations, corporate financing and purchases of foreign currency by the private sector.
In this scenario, the exit from the exchange clamp would take place in a staggered manner. The entity projected that the Government would advance in the normalization of the payment of imports and in the flexibility of access to the financial dollar. However, it would maintain restrictions on the purchase of foreign currency by individuals and companies until reserves reach an adequate level.
Agreement with the IMF and access to international credit
Bank of America stressed that the success of the economic program underway will depend on the government's ability to negotiate a new agreement with the IMF. This agreement would allow debt payments to be refinanced and fiscal sustainability to be improved.
Morgan Stanley also emphasized that the relationship with the IMF is decisive for the evolution of country risk. If the government manages to advance in a new program with credible fiscal and monetary targets, sovereign bonds could continue their upward trend, improving financing conditions.
However, the Minister of Economy, Luis Caputo, referred to the market speculation about the agreement with the IMF. On his X account (formerly Twitter), he ironized: "Nothing that is being said about the agreement with the Fund is correct. It's hard to miss everything, but they're succeeding!".
Risks and challenges for the economic program
Both banks identified several risks that could affect Argentina's economic and financial stability in 2025. Among the main factors of uncertainty were:
- Delays in the negotiation with the IMF, which could generate tensions in the debt market.
- An insufficient level of international reserves, which would make it difficult to get out of the exchange clamp in an orderly manner.
- A context of real appreciation of the peso, which could harm the competitiveness of exports.
- External shocks that affect access to financing, also related to exchange rate appreciation.