Blaming Israel for US war on Iran lets Trump off the hook for reckless decision
Trump’s decision to go to war against Iran is fulfilment of an ambition cherished for decades in both parties on Capitol Hill
Global Briefing
The Global Briefing newsletter. Denis Staunton's guide to understanding world events - what’s happening, why it matters and how it affects you
European leaders rebuked by voters
Election results from Denmark to Italy showed high levels of discontent with incumbents, and the effects of the Iran war could fuel desire for change
Russian oil tankers carry oil for Cuba and a message for friends and the US
War in Iran has given Vladimir Putin a boost
Iran war could push tens of millions globally into acute hunger
War is severely affecting poorer countries where higher energy costs and shortage of fertiliser are forcing up food prices
EU pulls funding for Rwandan force amid murky scramble for gas in Mozambique
French energy company rejects allegation of complicity in war crimes
Kazakhstan’s president secures sweeping powers in constitutional overhaul
New constitution backed by landslide vote could see Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stay in power beyond 2029
Trump seeks to delay trip to China ‘a little bit’ amid Iran war
US president was at pains to avoid any suggestion that move was a snub to Xi Jinping
China and India show Trump that diplomacy can work
Many countries think it’s better to talk to Iran than to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz
South Korea’s defences weakened by US war in Iran
The United States is burning up its anti-missile munitions at a furious rate as Iran continues to strike at targets across the Middle East.
Trump seeks to use force to secure influence over Latin America
Left-wing leaders from Brazil, Mexico and Colombia notably not involved in US president’s forceful regional initiative
EU should resist Ursula von der Leyen’s foreign-policy power grab
The commission president has often taken positions that have not been agreed by member states
China condemns US war on Iran but keeps welcome extended for Trump visit
Beijing makes it clear it remains enthusiastic about improving relations between the two countries
Nepal’s election will test the political power of the youth
Outcome is also important for China and India
Why has Washington imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s army?
Global Briefing: Concern for human rights may not be the Trump administration’s only motive
Pakistan and Afghanistan have reasons to escalate conflict, but neither can afford to
Taliban is eager to assert its sovereignty while Pakistan is worried about India’s influence in Afghanistan
Trump’s attacks on Iran reveal an American military power unrestrained
Few of America’s allies have condemned its action, despite most tacitly acknowledging it to be illegal
Talk of European states developing their own nuclear umbrella is fanciful
Any autonomous nuclear shield would breach the Non-Proliferation Treaty and be hugely expensive and technologically challenging
State of the Union speech: Trump says little on Europe, China as foreign policy sidelined
Trump was well over an hour into the longest State of the Union address in history before leaving domestic politics
Suffering spreads in Somalia amid falling aid and growing interest in its natural wealth
Country faces similar conditions to those that brought it to the brink of famine in 2022
Court ruling leaves Trump heading to China without tariffs lever
Striking down of some tariffs strengthens Xi Jinping’s hand in talks over trade and other elements of China-US relationship
Will Donald Trump use the Chagos Islands to bomb Iran?
If the US president wishes to use the Diego Garcia base for his next attack, he will need Keir Starmer’s approval
Peru’s deepening relationship with China sees US cry foul over ‘sovereign rights’
As Peru loses its seventh president in 10 years, Washington is getting anxious about Lima’s burgeoning relationship with Beijing
Europe swaps an energy dependency on Russia for one on the US
Donald Trump could use gas-export controls or emergency powers to halt or reduce sales to Europe
Unloved African Union could yet play key role in protecting continent
Co-ordinated continental action may be needed to negotiate better international agreements
Bangladesh election could strengthen pivot toward China and away from India
Ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina prioritised relations with India, but her party is excluded from today’s vote
Donald Trump’s deportations could devastate Haiti
Armed gangs control almost 90 per cent of Port-au-Prince and violence has spread to other parts of the country
Thai prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul achieves remarkable victory
Election success due partly to wave of nationalist feeling following Thailand’s three-week conflict with Cambodia
Japanese prime minister’s gamble pays off with snap election victory
Win will help Sanae Takaichi to implement her controversial plans for tax cuts and increased defence spending
While Xi and Trump talk, US and EU explore ways to reduce dependence on China
Xi Jinping and Donald Trump had a friendly, two-hour phone call last night
Syrian forces’ routing of Kurdish-led SDF signals end of experiment in democracy
Northeast region’s system of grassroots democracy prioritised equality between men and women and direct participation of communities
North Korea’s party congress may signal strategic shifts on military, Korean unity by Kim
Five-yearly congress typically sets out Pyongyang’s military and political strategy
The world could be about to get even more dangerous
Expiration of US-Russia deal raises risk of new nuclear arms race in which Europe could find itself in particularly uncomfortable position
What’s the deal between Donald Trump and Cuba?
US is reportedly seeking to negotiate regime change in Cuba, but the country has no oil and exports little
Will the ‘mother of all deals’ paper over the cracks between Europe and India?
Jilted by the United States, the European Union and India have agreed a trade deal after two decades of on-off negotiations
Crosswords & Puzzles
Crosswords & puzzles to keep you challenged and entertained
Common Ground
How does a post-Brexit world shape the identity and relationship of these islands
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