Belarus Would Join Russia’s War if Ukraine Attacked, Lukashenko Says
President Aleksandr Lukashenko of Belarus has been surrounded by speculation that his country could be pressed into providing more support for Russia.
International Relations
Arne Treholt, 80, Dies; Diplomat Convicted of Spying for Soviets
A Norwegian, he handed over NATO plans and other secrets in one of the Cold War’s biggest espionage scandals. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Syria’s Assad Uses Disaster Diplomacy to Inch Back Onto World Stage
“A tragedy for Syrians is a boon for Assad because nobody else wants to manage this mess,” one analyst said of President Bashar al-Assad, who became a global pariah for his regime’s abuses during a civil war.
Russia-Belarus military cooperation
According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ Military Balance 2022, the Belarusian army has roughly 48 000 troops (of which 6 150 in special operation forces) and a further 12 000 state border troops.
Your Thursday Briefing: 1.5 Million Covid Deaths in China?
Also, Scotland’s leader resigns and Air India orders a record 470 planes.
Thousands of Syrian Refugees in Turkey Rush to Border Crossing to Return Home
The Syrian administration of a key border crossing into opposition-held territory in northwestern Syria said that Turkey would allow Syrians to leave the country and then return. Thousands flocked to the border.
Moldova Briefly Closes Airspace After President Accuses Russia of Coup Plot
The national carrier, Air Moldova, confirmed the closure but did not provide an explanation. Two hours later, it said the airspace had reopened.
Italy’s Hard-Right Leader Vexes Europe by Playing Nice, Mostly
Some still fear an authoritarian turn, but Giorgia Meloni has surprised many by showing a pragmatic streak since coming to power. Now Europe is not sure what to do.
China Tries to Depict Furor Over Spy Balloon as Sign of U.S. Decline
Ignoring charges of spying, Beijing says Washington’s “overreaction” is a symptom of the country’s broken politics.
U.S.-China Tensions Rise Over Spy Programs Amid UFO Investigations
The Biden administration is looking into mysterious U.F.O. encounters and pushing back against China over accusations of widespread espionage.