US Government Nears First Shutdown in Nearly Seven Years Amid Congressional Deadlock

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has signed a decree granting himself special powers to address what he perceives as a potential external aggression threat from the United States. This move reflects heightened tensions between Venezuela and the U.S., indicating a significant escalation in their diplomatic relations. Meanwhile, the European Union is advancing a commercial agreement with Morocco, enhancing their long-standing partnership despite concerns over the democratic processes and the wishes of the Sahrawi people in Western Sahara, a disputed territory. The EU supports a UN-led political solution for Western Sahara's self-determination but continues to pursue economic ties with Morocco that some view as undermining this process. These developments highlight ongoing geopolitical complexities involving U.S. relations in Latin America and European engagement in North African territorial disputes.