NATO Is Expected to Step Up Arctic Security. Here’s Why.
As Russia displays its military might in the Arctic region, the Western alliance is beginning a mission to increase its presence there.
International Relations
Hong Kong Activist Anna Kwok’s Father Convicted of National Security Crime
In her first interview about her father, the exiled Hong Kong activist Anna Kwok said the authorities were targeting her family to try to silence her.
Guatemala to End Use of Cuban Doctors, Under U.S. Pressure
The program, nearly 30 years old, had allowed Cuban medical workers to fill critical needs in Guatemala, while reaping income for Cuba.
Mexican Cartel’s Seized Ammunition Is Traced to U.S. Army Plant
About 137,000 .50-caliber rounds have been seized since 2012, and of those, 47 percent came from a plant in Kansas City, Mo., Mexico’s defense secretary said.
Hamas Would Keep Some Weapons Initially in Draft Gaza Plan
Israel is unlikely to withdraw its troops from the enclave before Hamas and other militant groups lay down their arms.
The Ties That Bound the UK’s ‘Prince of Darkness’ Peter Mandelson to Jeffrey Epstein
For years Peter Mandelson, a senior British politician, concealed the depth of his friendship with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, until new files were released.
Nicaragua Blocks a Route from Cuba to the U.S.
The Trump administration has criticized Nicaragua for serving as an illegal immigration pathway to the United States.
Australia Visit by President Herzog of Israel Prompts Protest
Amid activists’ objections, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had invited President Isaac Herzog to visit to honor the victims of the Bondi Beach shooting.
Australia Visit by President Herzog of Israel Prompts Protest
Amid activists’ objections, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had invited President Isaac Herzog to visit to honor the victims of the Bondi Beach shooting.
EU support for Ukraine for 2026-2027
On 18 December 2025, the European Council reached an agreement to provide a €90 billion loan to Ukraine to cover financing needs of the country in 2026 and 2027. The EU will generate the funds through EU borrowing backed by the EU budget’s headroom. The agreement for the loan, taken under enhanced cooperation, will entail no financial obligations for Czechia, Hungary and Slovakia.