China’s Balloon Dispute Aims Attention at Xi’s Leadership
The flap with the United States raises concerns about how China wields its power in a climate where one wrong move could set off an accidental conflict.
International Relations
Musharraf’s Legacy: A Conflicted Pakistan and a Bristling Military
The former Pakistani general and ruler, a central player in post-9/11 global tensions, ultimately lost his hold on the Pakistani public, and even on his own military establishment.
Chinese Spy Balloon Calls Back to Cold War U-2 Episode
The Chinese balloon saga is reminiscent of the U-2 spy plane incident that provoked a tense confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union.
Your Monday Briefing: The U.S. Shoots Down China’s Balloon
Also, Pervez Musharraf died and Beyoncé could have a big night at Grammy Awards.
Pope Francis Calls for Peace in South Sudan During Visit
Pope Francis ended his trip to Africa on Saturday by meeting with displaced people and urging his clergy not to “remain neutral before the pain caused by acts of injustice and violence.”
Russia Pushes to Take Ukrainian Town Near a Vital Supply Line
Ukraine has used the strategic town of Vuhledar to launch attacks disrupting transit on a critical rail link between the war’s southern and eastern fronts.
U.S. Presses Turkey and U.A.E. to Weed Out Illicit Trade With Russia
American officials worry that commercial activities in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates could be fueling Russia’s war machine and have threatened to punish those involved.
Ties to Kabul Bombing Put ISIS Leader in Somalia in U.S. Cross Hairs
Bilal al-Sudani’s financing of the ISIS branch in Afghanistan that killed 13 U.S. troops in 2021 elevated him on U.S. kill-or-capture lists.
Spy Balloon Incident Highlights Fragile State of U.S.-China Relations
Recent efforts by Beijing to mend ties with Washington were showing progress, but the balloon’s appearance over the United States illustrates lingering mistrust and growing tensions.
Fears of Russian Nuclear Weapons Use Have Diminished for Now
Nearly a year into the war in Ukraine, U.S. policymakers and intelligence analysts have more confidence that they understand at least some of President Vladimir V. Putin’s red lines.