Iran Rules Out Talks With U.S. Until Trump’s Threats Stop
Iran’s foreign minister ruled out direct talks unless President Trump stops threatening to attack it. He also said Iran would not discuss its ballistic missiles.
International Relations
Xi’s Military Purge May Set Back His Taiwan Ambitions
By ousting his top generals, Xi Jinping has secured absolute control but also hollowed out the command structure preparing for possible war over Taiwan.
Panamanian Court Strikes Down Hong Kong Firm’s Canal Contract
The ruling delivers a victory to President Trump, who has said he wants the U.S. to control the canal, and a blow to the longtime ports operator, CK Hutchison.
Xi’s Military Purge May Set Back His Taiwan Ambitions
By ousting his top generals, Xi Jinping has secured absolute control, but has also hollowed out the command structure preparing for possible war over Taiwan.
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.
NATO to Hold Military Exercise Without U.S., Its Largest Member
The operation, Steadfast Dart, comes as President Trump has been accused of undermining the alliance and will be watched closely to see how well the allies manage without their most important partner.
Southern Africa Faces Devastating Flooding During Rainy Season
More than 100 deaths have been confirmed across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, with the rains expected to continue through February.
Starmer and Xi Meet to Reset Ties Between Britain and China
Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain and President Xi Jinping of China met in Beijing on Thursday in a bid to reset ties as both countries seek a way around an increasingly volatile United States.
Trump Warns Iran With Military Muscle, but Risks a Regional War
Iran’s Islamic Republic, weakened by airstrikes in June and huge popular unrest, warns that it will strike back hard if attacked by the United States. This time, Iran may mean it.
Greenlanders Watching Turmoil in the United States Say No Thanks
The violence in Minneapolis and President Trump’s threats have soured Greenlanders on the United States and, unexpectedly, pushed them closer to Denmark.