How Costa Rica Became as Violent as Mexico

Yemen's Houthi rebels have launched a devastating offensive, seizing the entire western coastline and capturing the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Saudi-backed forces collapsed amid coalition infighting and betrayal by resurgent separatists. With control over ten percent of global maritime trade routes, the Houthis now hold unprecedented leverage over international shipping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This summer marked a turning point for NATO as Russian drones increasingly violated allied airspace across sixteen countries. From Romania to Germany, these incursions tested alliance defences and revealed dangerous gaps in coordination. Now Europe races to build integrated detection systems while American commitment to collective security looks increasingly uncertain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yemen's Houthi rebels launched a major ground offensive toward Taiz and the strategic Red Sea coastline, but Saudi-backed Yemeni forces responded with a swift, coordinated counterattack from multiple directions. With over 500 fighters killed and oil prices nearing $100 per barrel, both sides believe this battle could decide Yemen's future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ethiopia's Tigray conflict has reignited, with drone strikes and ground fighting resuming in August 2026. A surprising rebel alliance now unites former enemies—including the TPLF, Fano, and Oromo Liberation Army—against Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. With Sudan and Eritrea backing opposing sides, two of Africa's deadliest wars threaten to merge catastrophically. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Libya has been divided between two corrupt factions for twelve years. Now a US-brokered reunification deal promises elections, but analysts warn it actually positions warlord Khalifa Haftar to seize control of a unified state. Despite documented human rights abuses, Haftar appears to have secured backing from Washington, Moscow, and Ankara. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Iran's economy is collapsing under war, sanctions, soaring inflation, currency turmoil, fuel shortages, and industrial damage. Explore how Iranians are coping, why protests threaten Tehran, and whether pressure will work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Israeli settler violence in the West Bank has reached a critical point, challenging the IDF, Israel’s government, and the territory’s future. Explore how decades of policy helped create today’s crisis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Russia may be preparing for mass mobilization. Explore why Putin faces a desperate choice, what 600,000 troops could mean, and how escalation could reshape the war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Somali piracy is back—and this time, the stakes are higher. Discover how instability, weakened security, al-Shabab, the Houthis, and Iran’s war are reshaping the threat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Costa Rica was once known as Central America’s peaceful paradise. Now cartels, cocaine trafficking, rising homicides, and political battles threaten its stability. Can Laura Fernández reverse the country’s violent slide? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices