Venezuelan Lawmakers Approve Sweeping Overhaul of Oil Sector
Bowing to Trump administration pressure, the new legislation improves conditions for foreign oil companies and opens the way to slash the taxes they pay.
Foreign Investments
Hillary Clinton and Tucker Carlson Speak at Saudi Business Forum
The Democrat and the hard-right commentator found at least one thing to agree upon as they spoke at a conference in Riyadh.
Trump Vows Higher Tariffs for South Korea Months After Trade Deal
President Trump said Seoul was not moving fast enough to implement the agreement, which calls for South Korea to invest billions in the United States.
Islamic State Claims Deadly Attack on Chinese Restaurant in Afghanistan
A bombing that killed seven people and injured a dozen more at a noodle restaurant in a busy area of Kabul is likely to heighten China’s growing security concerns in Afghanistan.
I.M.F. Raises Forecast for Global Growth as Tariff Drag Fades
The 3.3 percent rate for 2026 would match last year’s pace. Booming investment in artificial intelligence is buttressing global output.
China Touts Hainan, Its Duty-Free Island, Amid $1 Trillion Trade Surplus
Policies meant to lure importers to Hainan, a resort island off China’s coast, signal an opening up, Beijing says. One expert calls it a “bait and switch.”
Trump Signs Law Repealing Tough Sanctions on Syria
The Caesar Act was imposed in 2019 in response to widespread and systematic violations of human rights by the regime of former dictator Bashar al-Assad.
Venezuela’s Oil Is a Focus of Trump’s Campaign Against Maduro
In public, the White House says it is confronting Venezuela to curb drug trafficking. Behind the scenes, gaining access to the country’s vast oil reserves is a priority.
Trump’s Security Strategy Focuses on Profit, Not Spreading Democracy
President Trump’s new National Security Strategy describes a country that is focused on doing business and reducing migration while avoiding passing judgment on authoritarians.
Bessent Stakes Credibility and Taxpayer Money on Argentina Bet
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s multibillion-dollar bailout of a serial defaulter raises the specter of losses for the United States.