Democracy Now

Top U.S. & World Headlines — March 20, 2026
Global conflicts escalate with significant economic and humanitarian fallout, while domestic US issues highlight immigration challenges and labor disputes.

"Why Are We Going to War?": Former U.S. Middle East Officials Say Trump Has "No Clear Plan" on Iran
Former US diplomats and Pentagon officials reveal the Trump administration launched a war on Iran without a clear plan or legal basis, driven by shifting justifications and external pressure, escalating regional conflict and humanitarian crisis.

Iranian American Scholars Denounce U.S.-Israeli Attack, Warn Regime Change Efforts Will Backfire
Iranian-American scholars condemn the US-Israeli attacks on Iran, arguing that regime change efforts are 'mission impossible' and only destroy the space for internal Iranian struggles while expanding regional conflict.

Rep. Summer Lee on Boycotting Trump Speech, Jesse Jackson, Voting Rights, “Endless Wars” & More
Congresswoman Summer Lee explains her boycott of Trump's State of the Union, criticizing his administration's policies on voting rights, foreign policy, and attacks on civil rights legacies.

"Extremely Dangerous Situation": Trita Parsi Warns U.S. & Iran Have Incentives to Escalate Conflict
Expert Trita Parsi warns of an 'extremely dangerous situation' where both the US and Iran are incentivized to escalate conflict, driven by contradictory calculations and a shifting regional dynamic where Iran serves as a de facto buffer against an unrestrained Israel.

Cuba's U.N. Ambassador Denounces U.S. Oil Blockade, Push to Topple Government
Cuba's UN Ambassador details the severe humanitarian crisis caused by the US oil blockade and economic embargo, highlighting widespread international condemnation and the US's historical efforts to destabilize the island.

Report from Caracas on U.S. Attack & Maduro Abduction
The US launched a military attack on Venezuela, abducting President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, leading to international condemnation and a power vacuum in Caracas.
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