The Aguilar ConversationsMonday, June 22 • 10:00 AM
The Pontificate of Pope Leo XIV
Join Tony Aguilar as he speaks with Claire Giangravé, reporter for Religion News Service, about several key issues facing the Catholic Church today, including Pope Leo's recent trip to Spain, the challenge of ministering to a global Church, and the future direction of the papacy.
Claire Giangravé
Reporter, Religion News Service — covering the Catholic Church and the Vatican
An independent forum for research and commentary on geopolitics, democracy, and international relations. We analyze emerging national and global trends and the future of democratic systems.
Algorithms Are a Key Life Blood of Social Media Entities
On a recent episode of the Joe Rogan podcast, Rogan interviewed British MP Rupert Lowe. Lowe also traveled to Texas where he was welcomed by Elon Musk during the Fourth of July weekend. The answer to why he was there could be Rupert's understanding of America's algorithmic capability and the acceptability of American social media. Social media algorithms are regulated in Great Britain — part of their Safety Act creates offenses for certain harmful communications, while Section 230 of the US Communications Decency Act makes it harder to hold platforms accountable for false statements.
One issue of the Rogan interview revolved around gun laws. MP Rupert Lowe attributed the ending of the freedom to own handguns in Great Britain to one murder in Dunblane, Scotland. In fact, in March 1996, 16 children and their teacher were killed and 15 others were wounded. Citizens gathered over 750,000 signatures to support the Snowdrop petition campaign, which helped bring about legislation prohibiting the private ownership of handguns in Great Britain.
Social Media · Algorithms · Joe Rogan · Rupert Lowe · Gun Control · Section 230
Tony Aguilar is the founder of Casa Margo Communications Group and a veteran political analyst and commentator specializing in international affairs, democracy, and U.S. foreign policy.
Latest Commentary
United States2026Tony Aguilar
Relationships, Money, and the Question of Jay Feely
Relationships and money are essential aspects to gain electoral office. While not always guaranteed success, it goes a long way towards it. It would be an interesting question to ask various media and sports figures why they are financially supporting Jay Feely — a former broadcaster and former football player for the Arizona Cardinals now running for congress in the 1st congressional district.
Feely has been financially supported by figures such as CBS's Jim Nantz, Charles Barkley, former NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and golfer Fred Couples. The district is considered a toss-up by Cook Political Report, Inside Election, and Sabato's Crystal Ball — and the Republican primary takes place on July 21st.
Arizona Congress · Jay Feely · Sports Figures · Campaign Finance · Republican Primary
Tony Aguilar is the founder of Casa Margo Communications Group and a veteran political analyst and commentator specializing in international affairs, democracy, and U.S. foreign policy.
Latest Commentary
United States2026Tony Aguilar
Relationships, Money, and the Question of Jay Feely (Part 3)
Relationships and money are essential aspects to gain electoral office. While not always guaranteed success, it goes a long way towards it. It would be an interesting question to ask various media and sports figures why they are financially supporting Jay Feely — a former broadcaster and former football player for the Arizona Cardinals now running for congress in Arizona's 1st congressional district.
In the case of Jim Nantz, CBS has neither confirmed nor denied that it has allowed Nantz to endorse Feely. CBS has traditionally prohibited its commentators from endorsing political candidates — perhaps under Bari Weiss, now editor in chief of CBS News, the policy has changed.
Arizona Congress · Jay Feely · Jim Nantz · Charles Barkley · Roger Goodell · Republican Primary
Tony Aguilar is the founder of Casa Margo Communications Group and a veteran political analyst and commentator specializing in international affairs, democracy, and U.S. foreign policy.
Latest Commentary
United StatesJuly 4, 2026Tony Aguilar
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Fifty years ago on July 4th 1976, during the American bicentennial, the nation had just witnessed the daring rescue at Entebbe where Israeli commandos freed 102 hostages. Now, as America starts its journey to its next 250 years, a huge segment of the nation is hopeful about becoming a more perfect union.
Even as the fireworks celebrated this great milestone, America is presently over troubled waters. As thousands gathered in Washington DC, hundreds of masked members of the Patriot Front marched through the capital chanting Reclaim America — founded after the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, calling for America to become a white ethno-state.
America · Democracy · Civil Rights · Fourth of July · Patriot Front
Tony Aguilar is the founder of Casa Margo Communications Group and a veteran political analyst and commentator specializing in international affairs, democracy, and U.S. foreign policy.
Latest Commentary
Media2026Melissa Cannell
The AI Reputation Economy Has Arrived
Journalism is undergoing another structural shift as artificial intelligence reshapes how information is produced, distributed, and valued. The media industry now sits at an inflection point where the next economic model is still forming, but its early shape is visible through licensing agreements, litigation, and platform integration.
Major publishers including The Associated Press, News Corp, Axel Springer, and The Financial Times have entered licensing agreements with AI companies such as OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft. Meanwhile, The New York Times' ongoing lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft has set the stage for a battle over copyright, fair use, and the boundaries of machine learning training practices.
AI · Journalism · Media Economy · Licensing · Knowledge Systems
Melissa Cannell is a newspaper reporter, freelance correspondent, and public relations representative. A graduate of Weber State University, her writing has appeared in the Davis County Clipper, Utah Spirit magazine, and the Deseret News.
Latest Commentary
United Nations2026Suman Keshanti
The UN at a Crossroads
Established on 24 October 1945, the United Nations now encompasses 193 member states. Seven decades on, it coordinates the world's largest peacekeeping operations and drives climate agreements, yet remains hampered by a Security Council architecture built for 1945 geopolitics — ill-equipped for 21st-century realities of AI-driven conflict and multipolar rivalry.
Four candidates contest the Secretary-General term beginning January 2027. The 2027 'Pact 2.0' is the ultimate litmus test: deliver it, and the UN claims the 21st century; fail, and its relevance evaporates within a decade. The era of the quiet diplomat is over.
United Nations · Secretary-General · Global Governance · Security Council Reform
Suman Keshanti is a geopolitical analyst and researcher specializing in international affairs, multilateral institutions, and South Asian geopolitics.
Coming Event
The Aguilar ConversationsMonday, June 27
The Crisis in Cuba and Potential Military Invasion by the United States
The Aguilar Conversations welcomes Dr. Jorge Duany to discuss the crisis in Cuba and the potential for military intervention by the United States. An in-depth conversation on one of the most pressing geopolitical flashpoints in the Western Hemisphere.
Dr. Jorge Duany
Cuba expert and scholar of Caribbean and Latin American affairs
It often comes down to oil whether directly or indirectly. The oft-promoted start date for tensions between the United States and Iran has always been 1979 when Iranians took over the American embassy. In reality, tensions began in 1953 when the US and Great Britain toppled the democratically elected government of Mohammad Mosaddegh. The reason for the coup was Iran's nationalizing of its oil industry.
The US military operation in Venezuela was justified as a law enforcement operation, but critics believed broader geopolitical and energy interests played a critical role. The United States today has 330 million barrels of oil in its Strategic Petroleum Reserve — the lowest level since 1983 — while China reportedly holds 1.6 billion barrels in reserve.
Tony Aguilar is the founder of Casa Margo Communications Group and a veteran political analyst and commentator specializing in international affairs, democracy, and U.S. foreign policy.
Latest Commentary
United States2026Tony Aguilar
American Identity: Fact Fiction or Fantasy?
This is not who we are. Those are the words Americans will invariably hear after a horrific incident of violence. These statements belie the reality of mass shootings, which have reached a level that is unimaginable in other countries. Public officials will engage in the politically pre-requisite verbiage that there is no place for racism, homophobia, misogyny or xenophobia.
Born out of violent rebellion, America is a nation of great possibilities, accomplishments, opportunities, ironies and hypocrisy. Today the Supreme Court handed down its decision about Temporary Protected Status, stating that the Trump administration can end TPS which will affect 350 thousand Haitians and 6,000 Syrians. Once again, we will hear the sad refrain of this is not who we are. In reality it is a part of the nation's DNA.
United States · Democracy · TPS · Supreme Court · American Identity
Tony Aguilar is the founder of Casa Margo Communications Group and a veteran political analyst and commentator specializing in international affairs, democracy, and U.S. foreign policy.
Latest Commentary
GeopoliticsJune 18, 2026Alexandra Eleferenko
A Changing World Order: What the Latest G7 Summit Revealed
The latest G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains unfolded amid rising geopolitical tensions. While the Group of Seven continues to play a central role in international decision-making, it faces increasing pressure from alternative alliances, particularly the BRICS nations. Leaders also addressed the controversial memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran, the conflict in Ukraine, and AI regulation.
The G7 accounts for $52 trillion in GDP, compared with roughly $31 trillion for BRICS. Yet on average, BRICS economies are expanding at more than double the rate of the G7. These growth rates reflect a shift in economic momentum toward the East, signaling a transition toward a more complex and multipolar order.
G7 Summit · BRICS · Iran MoU · Ukraine · AI Regulation · Multipolar Order
Alexandra Eleferenko is a geopolitical analyst and independent researcher holding a Master's degree in International Relations from IE University, with a specialization in Global Governance and International Cooperation.
Coming Event
The Aguilar ConversationsMonday, June 22 • 10:00 AM
The Pontificate of Pope Leo XIV
Join Tony Aguilar as he speaks with Claire Giangravé, reporter for Religion News Service, about several key issues facing the Catholic Church today, including Pope Leo's recent trip to Spain, the challenge of ministering to a global Church, and the future direction of the papacy.
Claire Giangravé
Reporter, Religion News Service - covering the Catholic Church and the Vatican
Albania's Flamingo Controversy and the Battle Over a Billion Dollar Coastal Future
As pink flamingos rise over the wetlands of southern Albania, a once-quiet coastline has become the center of a billion-dollar geopolitical dispute involving global investors, national sovereignty, and Europe's environmental future. A luxury resort proposal linked to Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump has triggered a widening political confrontation that now reaches deep into Albania's governance and its ambitions to join the European Union.
The so-called "flamingo movement" has emerged as a powerful civic symbol, with protesters adopting the bird as a representation of ecological fragility and national ownership of natural heritage. At its heart is the Vjosa-Narta wetlands, a protected zone home to migratory birds and endangered species that environmental groups say faces irreversible risk.
Albania · Flamingo Movement · EU Accession · Kushner · Environmental Governance
Areeb Imran is a contributor to Aguilar Commentary, providing independent analysis on South Asian affairs, diplomacy, and international security.
Latest Commentary
Middle East2026Tony Aguilar
Art of the Deal, Capitulation or Incompetence
The president signed the US-Iran MOU at the Palace of Versailles where many historic treaties had been signed. Nonetheless the administration struggles to present the MOU as a crowning achievement. Commentators along with elected officials from both sides of the aisle have criticized this MOU as a failure.
Comparisons will be made to the JCPOA negotiated by the Obama administration in 2015. Despite its flaws, at this stage JCPOA is a superior deal to the one signed at Versailles. The main component of the MOU is that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen - difficult to depict as a victory since it is simply a return to the status quo.
Iran · US Foreign Policy · JCPOA · MOU · Versailles · Middle East
Tony Aguilar is the founder of Casa Margo Communications Group and a veteran political analyst and commentator specializing in international affairs, democracy, and U.S. foreign policy.
Coming Event
The Aguilar ConversationsMonday, June 15 • 10:00 AM
The Future of the Labour Party and Prime Minister Keir Starmer
The Aguilar Conversations welcomes Dr. Dafydd Townley, Senior Teaching Fellow for International Security at Portsmouth University, as he discusses the future of the Labour Party and Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership in an era of shifting British and European politics.
Dr. Dafydd Townley
Senior Teaching Fellow in International Security, University of Portsmouth
How Consequential Is the Trump Administration? Historians Weigh In
Three esteemed historians - Victor Davis Hanson, Sir Niall Ferguson, and Steven Kotkin - were hosted by Peter Robinson to debate the consequentiality of the Trump administration. While Hanson and Ferguson gave the president high marks, Kotkin maintained his role as historian and stated it is too soon to tell.
Being consequential does not denote whether a president was good or bad, but whether their actions had a profound effect on the nation. The question is not whether President Trump is consequential but how consequential and for how long.
Trump · Presidential History · Historians · Victor Davis Hanson · Niall Ferguson
Tony Aguilar is the founder of Casa Margo Communications Group and a veteran political analyst and commentator specializing in international affairs, democracy, and U.S. foreign policy.
Latest Commentary
MediaJune 2026Melissa K. Cannell
When Journalism Becomes a Corporate Asset, Everybody Loses
On June 2, CBS News fired longtime 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley. His dismissal came after he criticized Executive Producer Nick Bilton and accused Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss of “murdering” the show during a heated staff meeting. One of America's most trusted news brands is experiencing a period of turmoil.
Known for accountability journalism and tough interviews with public officials, 60 Minutes now faces questions about its internal governance and editorial independence. When corporations treat journalism primarily as an asset rather than a public trust, they risk compromising its credibility.
Media · Journalism · CBS News · 60 Minutes · Editorial Independence
Melissa K. Cannell is a newspaper reporter, freelance correspondent, and public relations representative. A graduate of Weber State University, her writing has appeared in the Davis County Clipper, Utah Spirit magazine, and the Deseret News.
Latest Commentary
AfricaJune 2026Daniel Onyango
Ramaphosa Faces Impeachment Test as South Africa's Coalition & Stability Hangs in Balance
South Africa's parliament is convening an impeachment committee to scrutinize President Cyril Ramaphosa over the long-running "Farmgate" scandal. Downplayed for years, the political drama threatens to test the resilience of the country's young democracy and its fragile Government of National Unity.
Triggered by a Constitutional Court ruling in May 2026, the process marks the latest chapter in a saga that began in 2020 when burglars raided Ramaphosa's Phala Phala game farm. A 31-member impeachment committee drawn from 16 political parties is set to begin its meetings. Though any removal vote requires a two-thirds majority, the political fallout could reshape South Africa's fragile coalition.
South Africa · Ramaphosa · Impeachment · Farmgate · ANC · Democracy
Daniel Onyango is a writer and analyst covering African politics, governance, and democratic development.
Latest Commentary
Geopolitics2026Areeb Imran
Pakistan at the Center of Iran and US Diplomacy
As fears of a wider Middle East war intensified in 2026, few countries possessed both the incentive and the ability to prevent further escalation. At the center of that effort stood Pakistan, a country whose geography, diplomatic relationships, and strategic interests placed it in a uniquely influential position. In a region increasingly defined by polarization, Islamabad found itself performing one of the most delicate balancing acts in contemporary diplomacy.
For Pakistan, involvement in the Iran-US negotiations was not simply an opportunity to enhance its international standing. It was a matter of national security, economic stability, and regional necessity. Few countries simultaneously maintain active channels of communication with Iran, the Gulf states, China, and the United States, making Islamabad an indispensable bridge during a period of profound mistrust.
Pakistan · Iran · United States · Diplomacy · Mediation · South Asia
Areeb Imran is a contributor to Aguilar Commentary, providing independent analysis on South Asian affairs, diplomacy, and international security.
New Commentary
Global Health2026Dr. Aqsa Munir
The Present Ebola Crisis: Why the World Cannot Look Away
The current Ebola epidemic spreading through the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda is a clear warning to the world. It is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus. This form of Ebola is dangerous, as there is neither an approved vaccine nor any treatment for it.
Ebola does not spread easily like the flu, but is lethal when the disease enters families, health centres, or local communities. The outbreak should not be perceived solely as an African problem. Ebola is an inherently global health challenge; it travels via humans, health systems are interconnected, and when a local epidemic is neglected, it can quickly escalate.
What is Happening Now?
By late May 2026, the number of reported Ebola cases had climbed significantly. According to Reuters, the Democratic Republic of Congo recorded 282 verified cases, with 42 known deaths. Ituri Province was reported to have the highest number of infections, although cases were confirmed in Uganda, as well. The WHO expressed its concern about the effects of poor information and unsanitary burial practices on the spread of the virus.
Although alarming, these numbers are probably lower than the actual toll of the epidemic. Ebola outbreaks can occur in remote areas with limited diagnostic capacity, and some infected individuals die before reaching medical facilities. Others may try to conceal their symptoms to avoid quarantine and the social stigma associated with the disease.
How Many Could Be Affected?
While verified cases are in the hundreds, the number of people indirectly affected could be significantly larger. This does not necessarily mean millions will contract Ebola, but rather millions will live under a shadow of fear, subject to border controls, clinics under strain, reduced income, and pressure on their healthcare systems. In eastern Congo, already fractured by conflict, poverty, and widespread displacement, a high concentration of people living in close proximity makes contact tracing and patient isolation far more difficult. Should the epidemic not be contained quickly, it is likely to spread from hundreds to thousands, impacting millions in Congo, Uganda, and neighboring nations.
Why is it a Global Problem?
The problem of Ebola requires a global perspective for three main reasons:
1. Disease transcends borders. The outbreak in Uganda demonstrates that an epidemic is not confined to a single nation. Several suspected travel-linked cases have also been investigated outside of Africa, although many later tested negative for Ebola.
2. Weak health systems affect everyone. Ebola has devastating effects on the health professionals who confront it. Should medical personnel fall ill, routine care is inevitably compromised, leading to an increase in deaths from other diseases.
3. We have been in this situation before. The Ebola epidemic in West Africa and, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic show us that idleness is both deadly and costly. Early intervention is more affordable and far safer than dealing with later panic.
How the Crisis Might Have Been Avoided
It may not always be possible to prevent the first case of Ebola itself, as it arises from contact with infected animals. However, the size of the epidemic might have been reduced through the early detection of cases in strengthened local health systems, quicker diagnosis at faster diagnostic centres, and swifter contact tracing by more available health workers. Bundibugyo Ebola has been known for years, but there still remains no approved vaccine or treatment for it. Diseases that pose a threat to poorer countries are generally underfunded. Better preparation could have involved regular outbreak drills, improved border health officials, more sophisticated clinics, safer personal protective equipment, greater local education, and stable funding.
Trump's Response
Donald Trump's reaction deserves both commendation and critique. On the plus side, the US has contributed funding, personnel from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), airport health screening, and medical aid to Ebola treatment centers. These are vital components of a well-staffed, properly-resourced clinic.
The downside is that the response seems focused primarily on ensuring that the virus does not reach American soil, and travel restrictions, while seemingly stringent, are hardly the definitive solution. The WHO has spoken out against unwarranted restrictions on trade and travel, as they may encourage stigma and deter countries from reporting outbreaks in the future. The most logical way of combating it is not through travelers entering or leaving the country but through aiding the affected countries to get a handle on the outbreak swiftly.
What Other Countries Should Do
Nations should take rapid, practical action. Rich nations should provide not only funds but also PPE, portable diagnostic centres, transport ambulances, sanitation, and skilled teams. They should work with the WHO, Africa CDC, local health ministries, and aid organizations such as Médecins Sans Frontières and the Red Cross. Political infighting and other conflicts should not stand in the way of assistance. States should refrain from casting blame and fostering stigmas; this has been a key contributor to previous epidemics escalating beyond control.
The Bottom Line
The current Ebola epidemic should be seen as a crucial test of international responsibility. We already have the tools to combat such an outbreak. We also know that indecisiveness and delayed action lead to disastrous outcomes. This epidemic can still be brought under control, but only through immediate government cooperation. Ultimately, this fight is not just about saving lives in Congo and Uganda but about demonstrating to the world that effective global health security can only be achieved through early and fair intervention at the point of origin.
Ebola · Global Health · Congo · Uganda · Public Health · Bundibugyo
About the Author
Dr. Aqsa Munir is a contributor to Aguilar Commentary, providing independent analysis on global affairs, humanitarian policy, and international development.
Latest Commentary
Global Health2026Dr. Aqsa Munir
The Present Ebola Crisis: Why the World Cannot Look Away
The current Ebola epidemic spreading through the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda is a clear warning to the world. It is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus — dangerous, with neither an approved vaccine nor any treatment available. By late May 2026, the DRC recorded 282 verified cases and 42 known deaths.
Ebola does not spread easily like the flu, but is lethal when the disease enters families, health centres, or local communities. The outbreak should not be perceived solely as an African problem. Ebola is an inherently global health challenge — it travels via humans, health systems are interconnected, and when a local epidemic is neglected, it can quickly escalate.
Ebola · Global Health · Congo · Uganda · Public Health · Bundibugyo
Dr. Aqsa Munir is a contributor to Aguilar Commentary, providing independent analysis on global affairs, humanitarian policy, and international development.
Past Event
The Aguilar Conversations
Dr. Marlene Wind, professor of political science at the University of Copenhagen, and Dr. Dafydd Townley of the Military Education Team at Portsmouth University discuss the future of NATO.
The Aguilar Conversations
NATO: Past, Present and Future
The Aguilar Conversations brings together two leading international security scholars for an in-depth discussion on the North Atlantic Alliance — examining its founding principles, evolving role in a shifting geopolitical landscape, and what the future holds for collective defence in the 21st century.
March 23, 2026
Featured Guests
Dr. Dafydd Townley
Senior Teaching Fellow in International Security, University of Portsmouth
Dr. Marlene Wind
Professor of Political Science, University of Copenhagen & Director, Centre for European Politics
From Carter Glass to Roberts and Alito: The Enduring Struggle Over Voting Rights in America
In 1928, Senator Carter Glass declared his intent to remove every Black voter possible. Almost one hundred years later, the goal may not be coming to full fruition - but limiting its efficacy may be. Since his start in 1982 as a lawyer with the Reagan administration, Chief Justice John Roberts' goal has been the elimination of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
Little by little, both Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito have spearheaded the dismantling of what many consider to be the crown jewel of the civil rights era - from Shelby v. Holder in 2013 to Brnovich v. DNC in 2021 and Louisiana v. Callais.
Voting Rights · Supreme Court · Democracy · Civil Rights · John Roberts · Samuel Alito
Tony Aguilar is the founder of Casa Margo Communications Group and a veteran political analyst and commentator specializing in international affairs, democracy, and U.S. foreign policy.
Latest Commentary
IranMay 7, 2026Alexandra Eleferenko
Can Reza Pahlavi Unite Iran?
In recent years, debates over Iran's political future have increasingly focused on Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's last Shah, who has re-emerged as a prominent and controversial personality. Whether he could serve as an organizing principle for a broader political grand bargain — uniting opposition forces and enabling a transition of power — remains an open question.
A 2022 survey of 158,000 respondents inside Iran found that Pahlavi received the highest level of support — 32.8% — in the event of a regime transition. Yet his ability to genuinely consolidate the opposition remains deeply uncertain given Iran's fragmented political landscape.
Iran · Geopolitics · Opposition Politics · Regime Change
Alexandra Eleferenko is a geopolitical analyst and independent researcher holding a Master's degree in International Relations from IE University, with a specialization in Global Governance and International Cooperation. Her research focuses primarily on Russia, digital diplomacy, and the strategic use of sports diplomacy. From 2021 to 2024, she served as a contributing writer for the IE International Policy Review.
Latest Commentary
Global Affairs2025Dr. Aqsa Munir
What Happens When USAID Is Cut and How It Became a Human Crisis
In 2025, the United States drastically cut USAID, and the repercussions were felt throughout the world. OECD preliminary data show that total official development assistance fell 23.1% in 2025, the biggest one-year drop ever recorded. The United States experienced a reduction of approximately three-quarters of the total decrease due to USAID alone.
UNICEF warns at least 14 million children face disruptions to critical nutrition services. UNAIDS projects 6.6 million more HIV infections and 4.2 million more AIDS-related deaths by 2029 if U.S.-supported HIV services are not replaced.
USAID · Foreign Aid · Global Health · Humanitarian Crisis · Development
Dr. Aqsa Munir is a contributor to Aguilar Commentary, providing independent analysis on global affairs, humanitarian policy, and international development.
Latest Commentary
Technology2026Melissa K. Cannell
AI and Data Center Growth Pushing America's Fragmented Power Grid to Its Limits
Artificial intelligence (AI) runs inside expansive U.S. data centers. These facilities continue to spread as adoption accelerates. They already consume about 4-5% of the nation's electricity, and demand will rise over the next 5, 10, and 15 years. Depending on size, a single site can house 500 to more than 100,000 servers — all requiring constant power from an aging, uneven grid.
The U.S. does not lack energy. It lacks a modern, efficient delivery system. Most transmission lines are now 40-60 years old, creating bottlenecks that put grid stress at its highest in Texas, Virginia, the Midwest, and the West.
AI · Data Centers · Power Grid · Energy Policy · Technology
Melissa K. Cannell is a newspaper reporter, freelance correspondent, and public relations representative. A graduate of Weber State University, her writing has appeared in the Davis County Clipper, Utah Spirit magazine, and the Deseret News.
Latest Commentary
Democracy2026Tony Aguilar
Stop Pretending Birthright Citizenship Is a Crisis
As the nation celebrates its 250th birthday, the issue of who should count as a citizen is once again front and center in American discourse about the 14th Amendment. Those who claim the initial purpose of the 14th Amendment was about granting citizenship to former slaves and overturning the horrendous Dred Scott decision are correct. But the story does not end there.
The present challenge is not about civilizational superiority. Despite protestations by various American pundits, the real issue is who gets to wield political power and who to cast aspersions on as a liability to society.
Tony Aguilar is the founder of Casa Margo Communications Group and a veteran political analyst and commentator specializing in international affairs, democracy, and U.S. foreign policy.
Latest Commentary
Geopolitics2026Suman Keshanti
BRICS and the Strait of Hormuz: Can the Bloc Step Up?
The current military standoff between the two nations is quickly turning out to be an international stress test of energy security, commerce, and crisis negotiation. With the conflict threatening the vital Straits of Hormuz — which carries about a fifth of all international oil and liquefied natural gas transportation — it becomes imperative who could negotiate and resolve the matter at hand.
Here, the significance of the BRICS organization comes into play as a political and not simply economic organization. The recent addition of Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE means that the organization will have both warring nations within its ambit.
BRICS · Iran · Strait of Hormuz · Energy Security · Maritime Trade
Suman Keshanti is a contributor to Aguilar Commentary, providing independent analysis on international affairs and geopolitics.
Latest Commentary
Europe2026Alexandra Eleferenko
A Master of Survival: Pedro Sánchez's Multi-Front Political Struggle
Spain is navigating a complex and volatile political landscape, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at the center of mounting domestic and international pressures. Growing political polarization, corruption allegations, protests, and renewed tensions over Catalan independence have all placed his leadership under strain.
His foreign policy positioning, including a critical stance toward Donald Trump and refusal to support the US war in Iran, further reflects an attempt to balance Spain's role within a shifting global order. Sánchez is likely to remain in power in the short term, but in a state of managed instability.
Spain · Catalonia · NATO · Corruption · Pedro Sánchez
Alexandra Eleferenko is a geopolitical analyst and independent researcher holding a Master's degree in International Relations from IE University, with a specialization in Global Governance and International Cooperation. Her research focuses primarily on Russia, digital diplomacy, and the strategic use of sports diplomacy. From 2021 to 2024, she served as a contributing writer for the IE International Policy Review.
Latest Commentary
Trade Policy2026Melissa K. Cannell
Beyond NAFTA's Shadow: Can USMCA Survive Rising Trade Tensions?
As North America approaches the July 1, 2026, review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the stakes could not be higher. Lawmakers, businesses, and workers are watching closely to see whether the pact can deliver on its promises: supporting U.S. jobs, boosting growth in industries such as automotive manufacturing, and safeguarding intellectual property and digital trade.
The backdrop is tense, with negotiations limited, Canada staying on the sidelines, and lingering Trump-era tariffs continuing to complicate the road ahead. Mexico's door is open, and dialogue is happening. The review could either solidify North America's trade partnership or expose its vulnerabilities.
USMCA · North America · Trade · Tariffs · Canada · Mexico
Melissa K. Cannell is a newspaper reporter, freelance correspondent, and public relations representative. A graduate of Weber State University, her writing has appeared in the Davis County Clipper, Utah Spirit magazine, and the Deseret News.
Latest Commentary
Middle East2026Tony Aguilar
The War Against Iran Is Triggering Consequences No One Is Ready For
President Trump backed off his threat to bomb Iran by extending the ultimatum two weeks, yet serious questions remain about unintended consequences. Central among them is whether Iran actually posed a direct threat to the continental United States - a question that remains unresolved.
From just war doctrine to desalination plants, European delinking, and the origins of U.S.-Iran hostility in Operation Ajax, the war's ripple effects reach far beyond the battlefield.
Iran · Just War · Gulf States · NATO · Foreign Policy
Tony Aguilar is the founder of Casa Margo Communications Group and a veteran political analyst and commentator specializing in international affairs, democracy, and U.S. foreign policy.
Latest Commentary
Geopolitics2026Suman Keshanti
Saudi Arabia's Strategic Balancing Between India and Pakistan
Saudi Arabia maintains strong ties with both India and Pakistan despite their long rivalry. This balancing strategy helps Riyadh pursue its own interests through energy security, regional stability and Vision 2030 goals. While oil remains central, India's economic importance and Pakistan's security role both shape Saudi policy.
The September 2025 Saudi-Pakistan Defence Pact and deepening Saudi-India economic ties have created a complex triangular dynamic. Saudi Arabia supplies about 18 percent of India's crude oil demand while simultaneously pledging $100 billion to Indian energy and technology sectors — all while maintaining strategic insurance through Pakistan's military capabilities.
Saudi Arabia · India · Pakistan · Energy Security · Vision 2030
Suman Keshanti is a geopolitical analyst and researcher specializing in South Asian affairs, energy security, and regional diplomacy.
Latest Commentary
AfricaMarch 2026Daniel Onyango
Facade of Democracy: Congo's President Secures Fifth Term, Extending 42-Year Rule
Congo Republic's incumbent President Denis Sassou Nguesso has secured another five-year term under the ruling Labour party, in a result critics termed a "Scandalous Charade."The 82-year-old, who has ruled the oil-rich Central African nation for 42 of 47 years, secured 94.82% of the vote despite boycotts, internet blackouts, and deep public disillusionment.
Critics and civil society groups described a "facade of democracy"in a country ranked near the bottom on global indices for political freedoms and corruption, with youth unemployment hovering near 40% despite the nation being the third-largest oil producer in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Daniel Onyango is a writer and analyst covering African politics, governance, and democratic development.
Search Articles & Topics
Featured Commentary
1 / 3
EuropeMarch 17, 2026
Meloni's Court Reform: Efficiency or Political Control?
Judicial reform has become a contested issue in Italian politics, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni placing institutional changes at the center of her political agenda. Supporters argue that the proposal can strengthen the impartiality of courts and clarify responsibilities.
As the war with Iran enters its third week, the American president has begun to plead for assistance in opening the Strait of Hormuz. Despite comments saying that Iran has been incapacitated, he has called upon nations to help fight a war they did not initiate.
Raisina Dialogue 2026: India's Strategic Vision In a Multipolar World
An in-depth analysis of India's strategic positioning at the Raisina Dialogue 2026, examining how New Delhi is navigating the complexities of a multipolar world order.
Meloni's Court Reform: Efficiency or Political Control?
Judicial reform has become a contested issue in Italian politics, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni placing institutional changes at the center of her political agenda. Supporters argue that the proposal can strengthen the impartiality of courts and clarify responsibilities.
As the war with Iran enters its third week, the American president has begun to plead for assistance in opening the Strait of Hormuz. Despite comments saying that Iran has been incapacitated, he has called upon nations to help fight a war they did not initiate.
Raisina Dialogue 2026: India's Strategic Vision In a Multipolar World
An in-depth analysis of India's strategic positioning at the Raisina Dialogue 2026, examining how New Delhi is navigating the complexities of a multipolar world order.
Meloni's Court Reform: Efficiency or Political Control?
Judicial reform has become a contested issue in Italian politics, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni placing institutional changes at the center of her political agenda. Supporters argue that the proposal can strengthen the impartiality of courts and clarify responsibilities. Critics warn that judicial independence may be weakened and that politicization would increase.
As Italy prepares for a referendum, the issue has evolved from a technical legal debate into a political test for the government ahead of the 2027 elections.
Alexandra Eleferenko is a geopolitical analyst and independent researcher holding a Master's degree in International Relations from IE University, with a specialization in Global Governance and International Cooperation. Her research focuses primarily on Russia, digital diplomacy, and the strategic use of sports diplomacy. From 2021 to 2024, she served as a contributing writer for the IE International Policy Review.
Featured Commentary
Middle EastMar 18, 2026Tony Aguilar
A Call of Desperation?
As the war with Iran enters its third week, the American president has begun to plead for assistance in opening the Strait of Hormuz. Despite comments saying that Iran has been incapacitated, he has called upon nations to help fight a war they did not initiate.
“Major powers, no matter how powerful, need allies.”
Raisina Dialogue 2026: India's Strategic Vision In a Multipolar World
An in-depth analysis of India's strategic positioning at the Raisina Dialogue 2026, examining how New Delhi is navigating the complexities of a multipolar world order. This commentary explores India's foreign policy priorities, its relationships with major global powers, and its vision for a reformed international system that reflects the realities of the 21st century.
Get the latest independent analysis on politics, democracy, and international affairs delivered directly to your inbox. No spam - just expert commentary.
Thank you for subscribing! You'll hear from us soon.
Casa Margo Communications Group publishes independent analysis on international, national, and local issues through expert commentary, podcasts, and interviews. Our contributors bring academic rigor and real-world perspective to the most pressing questions in politics, democracy, and global affairs.
From geopolitical shifts in Central Europe to landmark constitutional rulings in Washington, CMCG provides the context that partisan media cannot.
