The Black Sea Is a Crucial Theater in the War Between Russia and Ukraine
Long dominated by Russia’s navy, the Black Sea has been the scene of Ukrainian defiance. It’s also been a rare point of agreement between the two countries.
International Relations
Your Wednesday Briefing: A Downed U.S. Drone
Also, U.S. markets seem to stabilize and Xi Jinping tightens his control over China’s economy.
Your Tuesday Briefing: A U.S. Banking Crisis
Also, Russia is set to face war crimes charges and China’s new premier seeks to reassure investors.
EU sanctions on Russia: Overview, impact, challenges
The first set of EU sanctions (‘restrictive measures’) against Russia were adopted in March 2014, following Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol, and its support for a separatist insurgency in eastern Ukraine.
‘Russia Outside Russia’: For Elite, Dubai Becomes a Wartime Harbor
In the exclusive neighborhoods and palatial shopping malls of the United Arab Emirates’ biggest city, wealthy Russians can build a new life without having to cut ties to their home country.
Your Monday Briefing: China’s Saudi-Iran Deal
Also, Xi Jinping loyalists stack China’s leadership and Australia revives an Aboriginal alcohol ban.
War in Ukraine Puts Centuries of Swiss Neutrality to the Test
The Alpine state makes arms that Western allies want to send to Kyiv. Swiss law bans this, driving a national debate about whether its concept of neutrality should change.
An Activist’s Flight Reveals Widening Repression in Algeria
Four years after a popular uprising fueled hopes for change and real democracy, the country’s government is using vaguely defined statutes to round up hundreds.
Iran-Saudi Pact Is Brokered by China, Leaving U.S. on Sidelines
The agreement negotiated in Beijing to restore relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran signaled at least a temporary reordering of the usual alliances and rivalries, with Washington left on the sidelines.
In World Cup Run-Up, Qatar Pressed U.N. Agency Not to Investigate Abuses
Lobbying at the International Labor Organization dovetailed with an influence campaign that sparked a corruption scandal at the European Parliament.