A Challenge in the U.S.-Iran Talks: Both Sides Demand Victory
Washington and Tehran would need to defend any potential deal as a win for their side. And each has a leader whose approach to talks is vexing mediators.
International Relations
Xi Jinping Makes Rare Trip to North Korea to Court Kim Jong-Un
North Korean and Chinese state media footage showed China’s leader, Xi Jinping, arriving in Pyongyang, North Korea, for a summit with his counterpart, Kim Jong-un. The visit aimed to strengthen ties between the two nations.
Videos Show Chinese Businesses Hawking North Korean Labor
On social media, Chinese entrepreneurs are touting cheap labor across the border, as trade between the two countries regains momentum.
China Reasserts Itself, to Contain North Korea’s Tilt Toward Russia
On a rare visit to North Korea, China’s leader, Xi Jinping, projected unity but also sought to remind Kim Jong-un that he is the senior partner in their alliance.
The Iran War is Forcing Energy-Importing Countries to Turn Inward
The Iran war is pushing countries to prioritize domestic energy in order to protect themselves from volatile oil and natural gas markets.
Nikol Pashinyan Wins Re-election in Armenia
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan overcame a pressure campaign by Moscow and was on track to win a mandate to move ahead on peace talks that President Trump helped broker.
A ‘Miraculous Transformation’: How Kim Jong-un Fortified North Korea
He used the pandemic to ruthlessly tighten his grip on the country. Then he energized its economy by leveraging Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Iran Fires Missiles at Israel for First Time Since April
Iran attacked Israel with ballistic missiles late Sunday after an Israeli attack in the outskirts of Beirut against Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group.
Ukraine Turns to Europe as U.S. Steps Back as Mediator in Peace Talks
President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to London to meet with the leaders of Britain, Germany and France, who he said could be negotiators in talks with Russia.
Mali Conflict Escalates as Rebel Alliance Seizes Key Cities
Jihadists have nearly tripled their attacks on urban areas. Analysts fear an extended standoff could lead to many more civilian deaths.