Bloomberg US Vice President Mike Pence paid an unannounced visit to Afghanistan, a nation where the Trump administration has stepped up involvement in what’s become America’s longest war. Pence told the troops that “victory is closer than ever before,” adding that US arm- ed forces will remain in Afghanistan until the threat to the homeland is eliminated. Before the rally …

Bloomberg Deposed Catalan President Carles Puigdemont demanded the Spanish government recognise his victory in regional election and drop an arrest warrant, to let him end a self-imposed exile in Belgium and return to power. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy refused. He said only the courts could deal with arrests and if he should meet anyone, it’s the head of the pro-Spain …

What I most dislike about the Trump/ Republican tax plan is the shameless cynicism with which it has been peddled. Recall how it works: The government borrows $1.5 trillion over a decade and instantly uses that money to cut taxes for major constituencies — workers, families, small businesses and big companies. The handouts aim to buy votes. This is borrowing …