Bill Richardson Reveled in Role of Freelance Envoy to Dictators
The former New Mexico governor and U.N. ambassador filled a diplomatic niche, talking to strongmen when presidents and other officials could — or would — not.
Political Prisoners
As Anniversary of Women’s Uprising Nears, Iran Cracks Down
Sept. 16 marks one year since Mahsa Amini died in the custody of the morality police, setting off months of protests. Authorities are trying to quell any new unrest.
Russia Charges Former U.S. Consulate Worker With Collecting War Information
Robert Shonov, a Russian national, faces up to eight years in prison. The U.S. said the allegations against him are “wholly without merit.”
Egypt’s President Pardons an Arab Spring Activist After Nearly 10 Years in Prison
Ahmed Douma was one of the best-known faces of Egypt’s 2011 uprising. Rights groups say thousands of political prisoners remain detained under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
Prisoner Deal Could Smooth Effort to Contain Iran’s Nuclear Program
Iran and the United States appear to be observing an informal agreement under which Iran has limited its nuclear program and restrained proxy militias.
U.S. Reaches Deal With Iran to Free Americans for Jailed Iranians and Funds
Five American detainees will eventually be allowed to leave Iran in exchange for Tehran gaining access to $6 billion for humanitarian purposes and the United States freeing several jailed Iranians.
Imran Khan Appeals Prison Sentence in Pakistan
The former prime minister of Pakistan was jailed after being found guilty in a corruption case. The legal fight will determine his political future ahead of elections later this year.
Aleksei Navalny, Jailed Russian Opposition Leader, Receives 19-Year Sentence
Aleksei A. Navalny, who is already in prison, was sentenced for supporting “extremism,” amid intensified suppression of dissent in Russia.
The Art of Telling Forbidden Stories in China
Many writers are looking for ways to capture the everyday realities that the government keeps hidden — sometimes at their own peril.
Aung San Suu Kyi Receives Partial Pardon in Myanmar
The civilian leader, who was ousted in a coup in 2021, has been serving a 33-year prison sentence. Five of the 19 convictions against her have now been overturned, state television said.