Biden Picks Jack Lew as Envoy to Israel During Time of Friction
Mr. Lew, a former Treasury secretary, would bring stature and a low-key style to the assignment of representing the president to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
United States International Relations
Kim Jong-un and Putin Plan to Meet in Russia to Discuss Weapons
Russia seeks more weaponry for its war in Ukraine, and a North Korean delegation recently traveled to Russia by train to plan for Mr. Kim’s visit this month, officials say.
Xi Jinping of China Looks Set to Skip G20 in Snub to India
Xi Jinping has never missed the annual Group of 20 gathering since taking power in 2012. Beijing would not explain his apparent decision to forgo the event in New Delhi.
South African Inquiry Rebuts U.S. Charge on Russian Arms
A government investigation about a Russian ship contradicts U.S. accusations that South Africa provided arms to fight Ukraine, President Cyril Ramaphosa said. But a government report won’t be released, he added.
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.
U.S. Knew About Migrant Killings by Saudi Forces Earlier Than Previously Disclosed
The State Department says diplomats in Riyadh learned of the atrocities from research groups last summer, contradicting an earlier statement that the United States was not aware until December.
U.S. Officials Have Visited China. Will Beijing Send Anyone?
Such visits could help convey Beijing’s interest in stabilizing ties with Washington. But China has been noncommittal.
With Robotyne Recaptured, Ukraine Takes Next Step in Counteroffensive
After penetrating Russian defenses to retake the village of Robotyne, Ukrainian forces have pushed the fight a few miles east, but formidable obstacles lie ahead.
The U.S. and China Are Talking Again. Where It Will Lead Is Unclear.
Gina Raimondo, the U.S. commerce secretary, and her Chinese counterparts agreed to continue economic talks, but such dialogues have a disheartening record.
Two Years After Afghanistan Exit, Biden Resists Calls for More Taliban Contact
Some U.S. officials had clung to the hope that the Taliban had moderated since they last controlled the country in the 1990s.