Venezuela vs. US: Maduro Asks for Military Help from China, Iran, and Russia

The Week That Shaped the World — 31 October - 7 November 2025

Caribbean Crisis 2.0: From Venezuela to the AI Bubble and Market Instability

Maduro has reached a point where he's forced to ask for help from the last people he wants — China, Russia, and Iran. It’s a desperate move to hold off the US. As Chinese ships move toward the Caribbean, it feels like something bigger could be unfolding. But is it just a game, or is there more to this?

Meanwhile, the financial world is uneasy. $3 trillion is being pumped into AI datacentres, and people are starting to wonder: is this really the future, or are we just inflating another bubble? Experts are also warning about bubbles in other markets, from real estate to tech to crypto. The uncertainty is palpable, and no one seems to know what comes next.

In Europe, the EU has committed €2.9 billion to green tech projects. It’s a big move, but is it enough to meet their climate goals? Only time will tell.

This week’s digest covers these stories and more, digging into the shifts that are shaping the world right now.

“Starting is easy. The hard part is making it work when everything changes.”

1. Venezuela vs. US: Maduro Asks for Military Help from China, Iran, and Russia

There’s always that moment, isn’t there? When you’ve got no cards left to play, and you start calling in favours from the people you’d rather avoid. That’s Maduro right now — asking for military aid from China, Iran, and Russia, just to keep the US off his back.

The Chinese navy is heading for the Caribbean. Now, does that actually stop Trump? Or is this just a warm-up for the second coming of the Cuban missile crisis? It's hard to say, but I’m not the only one who feels like we're on the brink of something that doesn’t smell like diplomacy.

We’ve seen this kind of geopolitical drama before, of course. China flexing its muscle. Russia making its moves in the shadows. And Iran — well, they’ve never been shy about playing dirty. But Venezuela? A country that’s barely holding itself together is now at the mercy of global power plays. Maduro can only hope that these alliances are worth something when the chips are down.

Who’s really watching, though? Is this for Trump, showing off his big plans? Or for Putin, who’s always looking for another reason to irritate Washington? Or maybe it’s just for the people who still think that military posturing makes a difference in the age of drones and proxy wars?

But markets? They don’t care. Oil shifts by a few cents, gold does its usual dance. Fear’s just another number on the board now.

“The game’s not over until someone realises they’ve been playing it all wrong.”

2. Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s National Guard Deployment in Portland

Trump, of course, thought he had it figured out. The protests in Portland? Send in the National Guard. A show of force, the kind of move that looks good on a tweet, sounds good in speeches, and makes everyone think he's in control. It should’ve been an easy win. But then... a judge stepped in.

A federal judge. The kind who doesn’t care for the theatrics. And just like that, Trump’s plan to send in the troops? Blocked. Not even a “maybe later” — just a “no, not happening right now.” So, no National Guard. No dramatic photo ops with armoured vehicles. No triumph. Just the sound of a gavel, sharp and final.

Now, Trump will do what Trump does best. Ignore it. Keep going. The show must go on, right? But here's the thing — the National Guard isn’t the answer to the problems in Portland. Never was. The real problem? It’s the same old playbook being pulled out again and again, like a worn-out record. Show some force. Wave some flags. Declare victory. Except it doesn’t work. Not this time. Not for this mess.

So, for now, the troops stay at home. And Portland’s protests continue. The question is, what happens when the headlines stop moving the needle? When the game is no longer about looking strong, but about actually fixing what’s broken?

“In America, the toughest fights aren’t won with force — they’re won with the ability to show up, not just for the cameras.”

3. Terrorist Attack in Manchester with Syrian Trace

Manchester. Once again. A car crashes into pedestrians, a knife is drawn. And this time, the name is Jihad al-Shamie — a 35-year-old man, born in Syria, but British. It’s always the same, yet always different. He drives through the streets, then gets out, starts stabbing, aiming for the guard outside the synagogue. Just like that. Two dead. Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53. Cravitz dies from knife wounds. Daulby? Killed by the police. A shot meant for the attacker.

And yet, when does this all stop being “shocking” and start being just the way things are? How long do we keep hearing these stories before we stop pretending it’s something new? These attacks — they’re a pattern. It’s no longer an “outlier,” no longer a freak accident. Every time this happens, the feeling is the same: the world isn’t as safe as it used to be.

Al-Shamie had a fake bomb strapped to him. Another bomb-maker, another terrorist pretending to be something they’re not. But that doesn’t matter. The point is, these attacks — they’re becoming part of the scenery. And the worst part is, nobody knows how to stop it. More police, more soldiers? Sure. But does anyone really think that’s going to end it? No. It’s a cycle.

Manchester’s streets are quieter now, sure. But the worry lingers. How long before this happens again?

“The worst thing about terrorism isn’t the bloodshed — it’s how quickly it becomes part of the background noise.”

4. Israel Blocks International Aid to Gaza

It all starts quietly — as these things often do. Israel, feeling the pressure from every direction, decides to block a humanitarian convoy. More than 40 ships, laden with aid for Gaza, are stopped dead in their tracks, halted by the Israeli military. Humanitarian supplies, medicine, food — all held up in the name of “security,” the catch-all excuse that seems to work every time.

But here's the thing: it’s not just about the supplies. It’s about the statement. Israel’s move says it all — this isn’t just about bombs and missiles anymore; it’s about control. The aid ships, filled with the kind of goodwill that no one really cares about when it’s a matter of power, are treated like contraband.

The United Nations may express concern, and the world may raise an eyebrow. But in the end, what’s really happening here? More than 40 ships full of aid, grounded in the name of politics. And for what? The people of Gaza? Sure, they suffer. But this is about something deeper. The bigger game that no one really wants to talk about. The geopolitics of survival. Who gets to live? Who gets to starve?

And let’s not pretend this is the first time. The West loves to call out Israel for its hardline approach to Gaza. But let’s be real — what’s happening here isn’t new. It’s just the latest chapter in a story that’s been running for decades. And if you’re thinking that a ceasefire or peace deal will solve this... well, you’re not reading the room.

“In the theatre of war, the first act is always the same: someone’s starving, someone’s profiting.”

5. Trump Accuses Nigerian Government of Failing to Protect Christians and Threatens Military Action

Trump never does things halfway, does he? The moment he’s not the centre of attention, he finds his next “cause”. This time, it’s Nigeria — and surprise, surprise — it’s a moral crusade. He’s accusing the government of failing its Christian citizens, calling out the "weakness." And as predictable as ever, the solution is military action. Because, naturally, when the world is burning, you send in the troops, right?

But here’s the thing. Does anyone actually believe that bombing Nigeria into peace is the answer? No, of course not. This isn’t about fixing anything. It’s about looking like you’re fixing something. It’s Trump’s playbook in full view: throw some threats around, make a grand statement, and the world buys it. At least for a moment.

The real question is: why does military action seem to be his go-to solution? Is it because it's easy? Or because, for Trump, it’s the only way to make noise that the world can hear? “I’m protecting Christians,” he says. But the truth is, the real protection never comes from a bomb. It comes from understanding the problem. And that’s where Trump never quite seems to get it.

In the end, it’s just another headline. Another moment to keep up the appearance of strength. But when the dust settles, what’s really changed?

“In this world, the loudest voice isn’t always the one that solves the problem — it’s the one that makes the most noise before it disappears.”

6. Boom or Bubble? Inside the $3 Trillion AI Datacentre Spending Spree

$3 trillion — that’s the number everyone’s talking about. It’s the estimated amount that’ll be poured into AI datacentres over the next few years. But is this a smart investment, or just another bubble?

Datacentres used to be the quiet background players in tech. Now, they’re the beating heart of entire industries. Every major company wants a slice of the action, building vast server farms that are crucial for AI, cloud services, and more. It’s clear that this infrastructure is the future — but there’s a catch.

Building these massive facilities comes with its own set of problems. Power grids are under strain, chip shortages are getting worse, and the environmental impact is becoming impossible to ignore. The race to build is on, but the question remains: is this sustainable?

The hype is undeniable, but it’s not without risks. If one company dominates the market, what happens if something goes wrong? Could this rapidly growing industry collapse under its own weight?

For now, the boom continues. But, as always, the bigger they grow, the harder they fall.

“Not every boom ends with riches. Sometimes it ends with the real cost catching up.”

7. Global Stock Markets Fall Sharply Over AI Bubble Fears

This week, the stock markets took a heavy hit. Across the world, investors watched nervously as major indices tumbled. The culprit? Growing concerns about the AI bubble.

Not long ago, AI was the next big thing. It seemed unstoppable, with tech stocks soaring and promises of massive returns flooding the airwaves. Investors couldn’t get enough. But now, cracks are starting to show. The promises of rapid growth are not materialising as quickly as expected, and doubt is beginning to creep in.

There’s a familiar feeling in the air. It’s hard to ignore the parallels with the dot-com bubble. Back then, tech stocks soared on unproven potential, only to crash when reality set in. AI has all the same hallmarks: rising valuations, a rush of investment, and a lot of buzz — but very little to show for it.

The question now is whether AI is just another trend that’s been oversold. Are we seeing the start of a correction, or are we just in the eye of the storm?

For some, it’s a sobering thought. For others, it’s a reminder that all bubbles eventually pop.

“Optimism can lift markets, but it’s reality that decides when the bubble bursts.”

8. WEF Chief Warns of Three Possible Global Financial Bubbles

This week, the head of the World Economic Forum (WEF) made an important warning about the global economy. He pointed to three potential financial bubbles that could disrupt everything: real estate, tech, and cryptocurrencies.

Real estate is already showing signs of slowing down. Property prices, which have been climbing for years, are now starting to fall in key cities around the world. Governments are struggling to keep up, but the damage might already be done. The issue isn’t just high prices — it’s the growing gap between those who can afford homes and those who can’t. Young people, in particular, are being locked out of the housing market.
The tech bubble is next. AI has been the star of the show, with massive investments and wild expectations for what it can achieve. But as the stock prices of tech companies soar, questions are beginning to surface. Can AI really deliver on all its promises, or are we simply buying into an overhyped future?

And cryptocurrency, despite its ups and downs, is still a risky play for many. The market is unregulated, unstable, and still largely speculative. It’s a gamble that could leave a lot of people with nothing when it inevitably crashes.

The WEF chief’s message is clear: if these bubbles burst, we could be in for a global crisis. The question isn’t if they’ll pop, but when.

“When the bubble bursts, it’s always the ordinary people who feel the most impact.”

9. European Commission Allocates €2.9 Billion to 61 Net-Zero Tech Projects

The European Commission just committed €2.9 billion to 61 projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions. This is part of Europe’s effort to become carbon-neutral by 2050, with the money going towards clean energy, energy storage, and electric transport.

The idea is that investing in these technologies will help Europe cut down on pollution while also creating jobs and growing the economy. It’s about turning green technology into a key part of the future — not just for the environment but for the economy too.

But €2.9 billion is just a start. To actually reach the EU’s climate goals, a lot more will be needed. The real question is whether these projects can scale up quickly enough to make a real difference. There’s no time to waste.

It’s a good move, but Europe has a long road ahead.

“Getting started is the easy part. The hard part is following through.”

10. Three Technologies Disrupting the Global Order: Drones, Phones, Solar

The world’s changing, and three things are leading the charge: drones, smartphones, and solar power.

Drones have come a long way from being just a hobbyist’s toy. Today, they’re everywhere — delivering packages, surveying land, even keeping an eye on crops. What started out as something cool to fly around in the backyard is now a vital tool for countless industries. It’s a quiet revolution, but one that’s altering how we do almost everything.

Smartphones have been with us for a while now, but they’re doing a lot more than just making calls. They’ve turned into everything we need — wallets, fitness trackers, entertainment hubs, and so much more. These devices have become the centre of our daily lives, connecting us to everything that matters. What started as a phone is now an essential tool for managing almost every part of our day.

Then there’s solar power. Not so long ago, solar panels were something you saw on a few roofs here and there. But now, as prices drop and efficiency improves, it’s becoming the go-to for households and businesses looking to cut costs and go green. It’s no longer just an eco-friendly option — it’s becoming a way of life for many.

These technologies are changing things in ways we didn’t expect. Whether it’s flying overhead, in our pockets, or powering our homes, they’re quietly shifting the world under our feet.

“You don’t always notice the changes that matter most, but one day you look up, and everything’s different.”