Trump's Panama Canal threat, German Christmas market suspect, Nissan-Honda and holiday booze
Reuters World News
Deep Dive
Why did President-elect Donald Trump threaten to reassert U.S. control over the Panama Canal?
Trump accused Panama of charging excessive rates to use the canal and warned against potential Chinese influence, stating he would not let it fall into the wrong hands.
What was Panama's response to Trump's threat?
Panama's president, José Raúl Molino, stated that the canal's independence was non-negotiable and that China had no influence on its administration, emphasizing that every square meter of the canal belongs to Panama.
What are the potential implications of Trump's comments on U.S. diplomacy?
Trump's comments highlight a shift in U.S. diplomacy, signaling a more aggressive approach with threats to sovereign countries and a history of using bellicose rhetoric with counterparts.
What is the background of the suspect in the German Christmas market attack?
The suspect is a 50-year-old man from Saudi Arabia who moved to Germany in 2006. He had worked to help Saudi Arabians seeking asylum in Europe but held radical political views, criticizing Islam and supporting far-right parties like the Alternative for Germany (AfD).
How has the German Christmas market attack affected German politics?
The attack has deepened polarization in German politics, with the far-right AfD party, which the suspect supported, polling strongly and attempting to capitalize on issues of migration and security ahead of snap elections in February.
What is the potential impact of the Nissan-Honda merger?
The merger could create the world's third-largest automaker by vehicle sales, with combined annual sales of $191 billion, positioning the new entity to better compete with industry leaders Toyota and Volkswagen.
How are American consumers adjusting their holiday booze spending due to inflation?
Consumers are cutting back on spending by opting for cheaper liquor alternatives, smaller pack sizes, and avoiding pricier brands, reflecting the impact of high inflation on their incomes.
What strategies are spirits producers using to adapt to changing consumer behavior?
Producers are offering discounts, promotions, and smaller pack sizes to make products more affordable, while also focusing on advertising through platforms like DoorDash to cater to at-home celebrations.
- Trump threatens to retake Panama Canal
- Panama rejects Trump's claim, asserting sovereignty
- Trump's comments show potential shift in US foreign policy
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